P1racenews AI automatic summary:
IndyCar teams and drivers have now had their first taste of full power that they’ll get to unleash for their Indy 500 qualifying attempts. So who ended Fast Friday in the best shape and who’s playing catch-up? Here are the main takeaways
Fast Friday at the Indianapolis 500 was filled with excitement, with one driver completing a lap at 234.974mph in just 38.3021s over 2.5 miles. The day featured a strong team rebound, struggles for regular pole winners, crashes, engine issues, and high drama.
During Fast Friday, drivers get a boost of 100bhp for qualifying on the following days, with teams taking turns for four-lap runs, similar to the qualifying format.
Team Penske, despite its historic success, has had average starting spots of around 19.86 in the last four Indy 500 races, with none of its drivers securing a pole position before.
Josef Newgarden of Team Penske displayed promising pace during Friday’s practice, with the team sweeping the top three spots for the best four-lap average.
Newgarden and his teammates, McLaughlin and Power, are looking strong for qualifying, marking a potential turnaround for Newgarden’s challenging season so far.
As Newgarden aims to secure pole position, the upcoming qualifying sessions will be crucial for him and Team Penske, presenting a chance for redemption after a challenging start.
