Ryan Briscoe paced a frenetic practice day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as 35 cars combined to turn 2,628 laps in preparation for the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500.
Thursday's session was the first significant practice time since May 9. Rain washed out all activity on May 11, including second day qualifying, and limited green flag time to 30 minutes on May 14. The track was closed May 12-13.
Briscoe, who qualified third in the #6 Team Penske machine May 10, lapped the 2.5-mile oval in 40.2311 seconds, 223.708 mph.
“Tomorrow might be different, and we may run just as much (downforce), so we might have to change the car,” Briscoe pondered.
“We'll see what it looks like on Race Day and try to put to use what we have learned over these couple of days.”
Briscoe's team-mate, Helio Castroneves meanwhile was second-fastest at 223.284 mph, while pole sitter Scott Dixon was third (223.192 mph).
"'Mother Nature' definitely helped us out today with the weather,” noted Helio. “We had a great opportunity during the session to run a lot of laps and try several different things.
“I'm happy with the progress we made on the Team Penske car, and I think we're definitely moving in the right direction. This afternoon was certainly needed after all the rain we've been getting, and a day like today really helps to build our confidence on the track."
“I think the car was good for the most part, and we executed our plan like we hoped we'd do today,” added Dixon.
“Part of the day was dedicated to developing mechanical grip and getting the balance of the car right. Today was based upon yesterday and the list of things we were able to go through.”
Among the 24 drivers who have not yet qualified for the 22 remaining starting positions, Will Power topped the chart - sixth overall. Power's best lap was 222.657 mph, with Tony Kanaan and Tomas Scheckter fourth and fifth respectively.
