P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The first practice session of the weekend saw the drivers of the NTT IndyCar Series take on Portland International Raceway, the final road course of the 2024 season. Despite rain showers in the area and dark clouds surrounding the track, the entire session was completed under dry conditions. Drivers had 45 minutes to get a […]
Despite rainy weather and dark clouds, the entire session at the track was completed under dry conditions. The drivers had 45 minutes to familiarize themselves with the course, followed by a 10-minute session using the softer, red-wall tires. Scott McLaughlin set the fastest lap time of 58.3669 seconds on the 1.96-mile circuit, coming close to last year’s pole time. McLaughlin has a history of success at Portland, having won there in 2022 and consistently finishing in the top 10. Alex Palou and Marcus Armstrong followed with the second and third fastest times. Conor Daly’s practice session was cut short due to fuel pressure issues, limiting his track time to just five laps. Daly aims to catch up with the hybrid power system and hopes for a full day of practice on Saturday. Romain Grosjean also faced challenges on track but managed to continue after contact with another car. Despite some drivers exceeding the limits and having minor incidents, the session ran smoothly with no interruptions. The drivers will return to the track on Saturday morning for a second practice session at 9:00, followed by qualifying later in the day.