Marco Andretti proved to be the fastest driver on track Tuesday as the IndyCar 'veterans' joined the half dozen rookies that had enjoyed two days of running by themselves in preparation for the 92nd Indianapolis 500.
Some 31 drivers completed laps on the first 'proper' day pf practice for the blue riband event, with Andretti - who finished second in the race as a rookie in 2006 - lapping in 39.7177secs to set a nee target for the week. The third generation driver reach 226mph on his best lap in the specially-liveried #26 Team Indiana Jones presented by Blockbuster car.
“The Indiana Jones car is on it so far but, unfortunately, it's still early," Andretti commented, "Obviously, I had a very big tow, but I think you need the mechanical balance to be able to stay flat so you can get a time. I've been very pleased with the guys so far. It was a good start, but this place changes.”
Andretti Green Racing team-mate Tony Kanaan was second fastest with a lap at 225.269mph, the Brazilian spending a long time on track after reading the weather forecast.
“It was a very productive day for the 7-Eleven team," he reported, "It seems like we will get some rain tomorrow, so we tried to run as many laps as possible. There are a few improvements we need to make on the car, but I am pretty pleased with it. It was a good day for AGR today.”
Target Chip Ganassi team-mates Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon were third and fifth respectively, continuing the team's strong start to the season, while Team Penske team-mates Ryan Briscoe and Helio Castroneves finished the day fourth and sixth, as the IndyCar powerhouses immediately stamped their authority on proceedings.
![Marco Andretti - Andretti Green Racing [pic credit: IRL/Haines]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/436476.jpg)
