Sato leads first practice at Indianapolis, Alonso stops

The very first test session in preparation for the 500 Indianapolis 2019 (Indiana) took place on Wednesday April 24 with the Open Test. The Japanese Takuma Sato (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing) stood out by setting the best time with an average of 226,993 mph, or 365,310 km/h.

This session was divided into two parts: the “veterans”, those who have played at least one competition.IndyCar in 2019, raced separately from competitors who only compete in the Indy 500. These were classified in the “Rookie orientation/Refresher” category.

It was a pretty smooth day for us to shakedown the car and functioned despite the day was cut short by weather… Still, really happy to be back @IMS, a truly special place https://t.co/imlCwMPkaO

— Takuma Sato (@TakumaSatoRacer) April 25th

In said category, it was the rookie Colton Herta (Harding Steinbrenner Racing) who was the fastest. Youngest winner of an IndyCar race preceded Helio Castroneves (Penské).

Fernando Alonso (McLaren) has only completed 29 laps and is at the bottom of the standings. The double world champion Formula 1 was a victim ofa mechanical problem at the start of the day. 

This isn't the start @alo_oficial and @McLarenIndy wanted at @IMS. pic.twitter.com/O7Xc4NjdZn

— NTT IndyCar Series (@IndyCar) April 24th

“This concern was more or less expected, because it is a car totally new. We want to ride quietly with short stints to start. This is what we accomplished next “, explains the Spaniard.

On the French side, simon pagenaud (Penske) and Sébastien Bourdais (Dale Coyne Racing) are a close second in 8th and 9th row. Their times were achieved between downpours which forced the organization to interrupt the session. 

500 Indianapolis 2019 – Veterans Open Test Results:

500 Indianapolis 2019 – Open Test Rookies Results: