Notes & Quotes: Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis
Takuma Sato: No. 14 ABC Supply Honda
Jack Hawksworth: No. 41 ABC Supply Honda
Alex Tagliani: No. 35 Alfe Heat Treating Honda
TAKUMA SATO ON:
•The circuit: “It’s a very unique circuit. It has one of the longest straights followed by a heavy braking zone which gives us a great overtaking opportunity. Also this is one of few tracks again that both the high downforce and low downforce setups mean similar lap times, so the difference between the teams’ setup philosophies makes for an interesting race.”
•Why he likes it: “I like it because the track is flat but some corners are challenging and it is a great track for racing. I also have several unforgettable memories from both the IMS road course and speedway so it is a very special place for me.”
•The track being closer to a street course or road course: “A great road course. We had been much stronger on street courses than road courses historically, but we were very competitive in the Indy GP last year. Our recent record shows we are much happier in road course set up so I am really looking forward to going back there.”
•Difficulty of transitioning from road course to superspeedway: “In some way of thinking it might be yes but I think it’s more of a fun and exciting feeling than difficult one. I mean it’s so different. The superspeedway package specifically for IMS is so light on downforce so you have a very fast car. It is nothing like any other track we drive. So although we’re in the same cockpit, the feeling is so different --even the main straight because we’re going 180 degrees opposite way! I enjoy this transitioning and can’t wait to take part in the INDY500.”
•Friday the 13th Superstition: “We all know Friday the 13th but it doesn’t mean anything in Japan so I believe there is no effect on me!”
JACK HAWKSWORTH ON:
• Difficulty of transitioning from road course to superspeedway: “The difficulty is more from a crew perspective. They have a lot of work to do between the end of the road course race and the start of 500 practice. They have to work long hours to turn the cars around. From a driving perspective it's a different approach and mentally it's a new challenge.”
•The circuit: “Indy's a fun circuit, super smooth and has some big braking zones which opens up many overtaking opportunities and chaos on the start and restarts. It is a very European style race track.”
• Key to a good finish: “Qualify well and have a good consistent car over the longer runs. This will be the key to victory.”
• Friday the 13th Superstition: “I don't believe in superstitions or any of that BS. You have to work hard and concentrate on the job at hand, and at the end of the day, the best team will win. Qualifying on the 13th, 14th or 15th, it makes no difference to me.”
• Whether the GP course is closer to a street circuit or road course: “It is much closer to a road course. The track is extremely smooth, which is the polar opposite of the street courses we go too. In terms of the corner radii there are some similarities between this track and some of the street courses we go too, there are quite a few 90 degree corners.”
ALEX TAGLIANI ON:
•Returning to AJ Foyt Racing for two races: “I appreciate being back with AJ Foyt Racing. Last year they welcomed me like I was one of their own for a long time. I made a lot of good friends and a lot of strong partners who are supportive of the team. I’m really thankful to represent Alfe Heat Treating, a company from Fort Wayne, Indiana so there will be a lot of friends and fans supporting the No. 35 Alfe Heat Treating Honda.”
•On driving the No. 35: “Driving a commemorative car with a special number—35 for A.J.’s 35 straight Indy 500s as a driver--makes me feel really honored. A.J. was on the grid with me with a bunch of pole winners in 2011 when I won the pole. I felt privileged that day to be on the same track with guys who have accomplished so much in the 500. Driving his car with a special number is huge.”
•His first time on this circuit: “I don’t have experience on this track—in fact it’s been three years since I’ve driven an Indy car on a road course. The cars have changed—new downforce levels—and I know it’s going to be challenging. I don’t want to raise expectations because just getting back in the groove is going to be challenging, never mind getting to know the car, etc. I’ll probably feel like when the weekend is over, I could have done better and would do better if I had another shot.
•Representing Alfe Heat Treating: “I’m very excited to represent Alfe Heat Treating again. They are a great group of guys and gals. I felt honored to know all of these people. The way they welcomed me into the Alfe family meant a lot to me. To be back in the car is an honor which I appreciate deeply. I will do the best job I can do, and if I can put a smile on their faces, then mission accomplished.”
•Friday the 13th Superstition: “I don’t have any superstitions about qualifying on Friday the 13th. I have some other superstitions though [which he was not prepared to divulge].”