Sonsio Grand Prix Practice Session Report
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 12, 2023 — The opening practice session for the Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway presented challenging conditions, including cool temperatures in the low 50s and high winds. Championship leader Alex Palou set the pace with a top lap of 1m10.9790s, leading a field of 27 drivers.
Under new tire regulations, teams adjusted their strategies, significantly impacting tire usage. With the set limit reduced from ten to nine, the initial ten minutes saw 20 cars idling in the pit lane, conserving the critical alternate tires, of which only four sets were available for the event.
Despite expectations to use the alternate tires for qualifying simulations, none were utilized in the early part of the session due to the tire constraints. After 15 minutes, rookie Louis Foster emerged as the fastest driver, clocking a lap of 1m10.4815s in his Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda.
As the session progressed, notable incidents included Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericsson brushing the wall. Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kyffin Simpson initially took the lead with a lap of 1m10.0677s. However, with less than 12 minutes remaining, Palou reclaimed the top position with a lap of 1m09.9850s. A red flag was necessitated to retrieve Rinus VeeKay’s car, which had stalled on track.
In the closing moments, teams switched to primary tires for qualifying simulations. The top five finished with Palou leading Simpson, AJ Foyt Racing’s Santino Ferrucci (1m10.1545s), Arrow McLaren’s Nolan Siegel (1m10.1730s), and Christian Lundgaard (1m10.1853s).
The session concluded with a split format, where Palou’s previous lap of 1m10.9790s held firm. Ed Carpenter Racing’s Alexander Rossi topped the final segment with a lap of 1m10.3228s, followed by Graham Rahal, Colton Herta, Will Power, and Conor Daly.
The next practice session is scheduled for 1:10 PM ET.
Results Summary:
- 1. Alex Palou (Ganassi) – 1m10.9790s
- 2. Kyffin Simpson (Ganassi) – 1m10.0677s
- 3. Louis Foster (RLL) – 1m10.1235s
- 4. Santino Ferrucci (Foyt) – 1m10.1545s
- 5. Nolan Siegel (McLaren) – 1m10.1730s
