Sonoma: Montagny will start 8th

For its first appearance in Indycar, Franck Montagny (Andretti Green Racing) did not do poorly as he will start from the fourth row of the Sonoma Grand Prix at Infineon Raceway. “ Qualifying is very close in this championship, so we were very careful », blurted out the Frenchman who set a time of 1:17.0840. “ But for a first time in qualifying with this car, I think it's a good thing to start from eighth position. »

Up front, Dario Franchitti (Target Chip Ganassi Racing) and Ryan Briscoe (Team Penske) will share the front row of the race on Sunday. The first managed to complete a lap in 1:16.7987 during his last passage over the line. “ The competition is very competitive because there are many good drivers,” indicated the pole sitter of the day who had already achieved the best time in 2007 on this track. “ I had a good car. In certain corners I have to really commit to have control but I have to thank my guys for the car they give me. »

Second in 2008 and third in 2007, Franchitti will be alongside Ryan Briscoe who posted a time of 1:16.8485. The Team Penske driver, second overall just three points behind leader Scott Dixon (Target Chip Ganassi Racing), was however not satisfied with his performance. “ I could have gone faster but I couldn't achieve a clean lap. I'm frustrated not to have taken pole but Dario was very fast. » His rival at the top of the standings, Scott Dixon, will only start from 10th position on the grid just ahead of Danica Patrick (Andretti Green Racing).

The other Frenchman entered in Sonoma, Nelson Philippe, was operated on for an open fracture of his left foot after an accident during a free practice session on Saturday afternoon. He also suffers from a head trauma.