Ryan Hunter-Reay quickest in second practice
Ryan Hunter-Reay led an American-dominated second practice for the NTT Data Indycar Series’ season opener at St. Petersburg.
The 38-year-old from Fort Lauderdale, Florida was one of two drivers to crack the 61-second range with a lap of 1:00.8968. The driver of the No. 28 DHL Honda for Andretti Autosport clocked the lap late in the session as he opted for a set of red tyres, which produce more grip but wear out quicker.
Ryan Hunter-Reay led an American-dominated second practice for the NTT Data Indycar Series’ season opener at St. Petersburg.
The 38-year-old from Fort Lauderdale, Florida was one of two drivers to crack the 61-second range with a lap of 1:00.8968. The driver of the No. 28 DHL Honda for Andretti Autosport clocked the lap late in the session as he opted for a set of red tyres, which produce more grip but wear out quicker.
Following RHR was fellow Floridian, Ed Carpenter Racing’s Spencer Pigot. The 2015 Indy Lights champion carried the flag for Chevrolet was the only other driver in the in the 61-second range and clocked the second quickest lap at 1:00.9812s.
Marco Andretti held the quick time early but was displaced to third but made it two Andretti Autosport cars in the top three while rookie Colton Herta was fourth fastest for Harding-Steinbrenner Racing.
Max Chilton was the other Chevrolet in the top five for Carlin Racing and was joined by teammate Charlie Kimball in seventh place while Alexander Rossi landed in sixth – the third Andretti Autosport car in the top ten.
Team Penske found themselves down the order as Josef Newgarden only mustered ninth, and Will Power rounded out the top ten.
The session ran uninterrupted, but there were a few incidents. Zach Veach had two excursions off course, and Marcus Ericsson tagged the wall while making a hot lap.
