Practice Report: Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS May 12, 2016—Unlike previous road/street races this year, the AJ Foyt Racing drivers were not at the top of the speed charts on the first day of practice. However, they are aiming to have their cars at the sharp end of the grid after qualifying tomorrow.
Alex Tagliani, who is returning to a road course for the first time since 2013, was 19th in the No. 35 Alfe Heat Treating Honda. He ran a total of 31 laps for the day, and posted a best time of 1 minute, 10.51 seconds.
“We didn’t run much in the first practice,” Tagliani said. “We had some telemetry issues but the second practice was okay. We tried to catch up and get some laps in to get back into the groove in the second practice. I think it was decent, and I think there is more to come. We just need to get the car where it needs to be, and for me to put a good lap in. I think we’ll be alright.”
Takuma Sato, who ran the most laps of the Foyt team at 50 in the No. 14 ABC Supply Honda, posted his best time of 1 minute, 10.6312 seconds which was 22nd on the time chart.
“Bit of a tough day but it was an interesting day,” said Sato, adding, “We went through quite a few test items. We split the menu items up among the three cars and I think we found some positives. The tires are good for just the first few laps, so I wasn’t able to do a quick lap but in the end we found some direction. The weather helped by staying dry today. Hopefully tomorrow we will be moving up the chart!”
Jack Hawksworth had held the highest ranking of the Foyt drivers in the first practice when he was 14th in the No. 41 ABC Supply Honda with a time of 1 minute, 10.6321. He posted a total of 39 laps with his clocking of 1 minute, 10.7248 seconds which was 23rd on the time chart.
“I felt comfortable in the car both sessions,” Hawksworth said. “We ran our race set up for both sessions today; we’re still working some kinks out. We’re trying to find the right balance on the brakes, but for the car overall, it felt good.”
There is one more morning practice before qualifying for the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis takes place tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. It can be followed live on Indycar.com.