St Petersburg – Ryan Hunter-Reay: “It’s a good start but…”

You set the best time in the second free practice session and this first day. You look radiant...

I think everyone is happy when they come here. And then I drive home (he lives in St Petersburg. Editor’s note). It's always important to shine here, not only because it's the opening round of the season, but because it somewhat dictates the dynamics that will be yours during the following races, which precede the Indy 500. And the The plot is really nice. This is one of the best meetings of the year.

How are you feeling this weekend?

Our winter testing has been promising, so it’s nice to move into race mode now. But it’s only the first day and the route is changing a lot here. You always try to project yourself, you make assumptions because the grip changes as more rubber is deposited. So sure, it’s a good start, but it’s only the first day.

Last year, here, you were still discovering the universal aero kit. How different is it now that you've ridden it for a season?

Everyone got used to it. Before, with the manufacturers' kits, we had a lot of support. Some turns were no longer there, and suddenly it became more complicated. But today, I think everyone is comfortable with that.

Honda monopolized the top six in the first session, but Chevrolet came back in the second. Do you think the duel will be more balanced this year?

Last year, leaving St Pete, we said that Honda had the advantage, then when we arrived at Indy, that was no longer the case. I think Honda was really at its best on urban circuits, with little grip and which require a maneuverable car. This could be the case again this year. But I wouldn't be surprised to see Penske and Ed Carpenter at the front tomorrow.