P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Drivers offer thoughts on Thermal exhibition, ideas on format changes
Last weekend’s non-points exhibition at the 3.067-mile, 17-turn circuit featured extensive testing, qualifying for heat races, and a main event with top-six advancing. Despite no lead changes, there were strategic tire management games played throughout the races. Colton Herta’s bold tire strategy paid off, propelling him from 12th to fourth in the final segment. Driver Felix Rosenqvist commended IndyCar’s innovative approach and suggested potential tweaks for future events. Scott McLaughlin praised the push-to-pass qualifying format and expressed openness to incorporating such variations in championship rounds to add excitement and unpredictability.
