SPEEDWAY, Ind. — IndyCar drivers had to deal with a few interruptions from intermittent rain showers throughout the day, but they got to run and test in a variety of conditions as they prepare their cars for the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Josef Newgarden of Team Penske was the quickest on the day with an overall speed at 226.819 mph. Newgarden said the session was a good time to get used to some changes to the car’s aero package from last year, which puts downforce on the cars.
He said the changes will certainly help make the racing better.
“I think you have a better opportunity to fight for this win as the third or fourth car in line,” Newgarden said. “If you are a quick car in the race and you somehow find yourself in the back I think you have a better shot at making your way forward. Those two elements will certainly help the show.”
“It was a pretty good day,” Newgarden added. “I was happy enough with the car. I think we still need some work, for sure, but to just get an initial read on where we’re at is good.”
RESULTS: Day 2 Open-Test Results
Defending Indy 500 champion Takuma Sato was second on the speed chart and two-time winner Juan Pablo Montoya was third quickest in his first time back in an IndyCar running at Indy since he won the race in 2015.
“A lot to catch up on and learn and understand,” Montoya said. “What you need to do and time, it all starts coming back. Yesterday getting up to speed was like ‘ooooo’ and today you don’t even think about it. This afternoon even better.”
Montoya was one of several drivers that had to complete a veteran’s refresher, something that he has never had to do before.
Cody Ware and Pietro Fiitpaldi are the two true rookies in the field this year and they both completed rookie orientation. Helio Castroneves, a three-time winner, completed his refresher as did James Hinchcliffe, Simona De Silvestro, and Ed Jones.
Silvestro, who is running for the Penske affiliated female-led team in Peretta Autosport was 21st on the speed chart at 223.458.
With testing over at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the series will focus its attention on the season-opening race at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama this coming weekend.
Scott Dixon looks to defend his NTT IndyCar Series championship over likely challengers in Newgarden, Alexander Rossi of Andretti Autosport, and Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren SP.
