Marco Andretti topped the first day of practice for Sunday's Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio as the family Andretti Green Racing team led the way on the IndyCar Series' return to road course racing.
The 2006 Bombardier Learjet Rookie of the Year posted the fastest lap of the day at 1min 07.9120secs during the second of two practice sessions on the 2.258-mile 13-turn circuit.
“Practice wasn't bad because we were the fastest of the day, but there is still some stuff that we need to work on," Andretti commented, "We still have a lot of understeer in the car, and it just seems easy to tip the car into oversteer, so we need some grip. We need to find grip on this track because of the way that they sealed it - the more grip the better. I think if we can get some mechanical grip then the lap times will be better.”
AGR team-mate Tony Kanaan was second fastest on the day, continuing the strong form that he showed two races ago, when the series ran at Watkins Glen International. The Brazilian, who injured his wrist in practice at that event, appeared happier than Andretti, but admitted that he would have to carry his performance throughout Saturday's qualifying session.
“It was decent - I believe we have a pretty good car," he said of the 7-Eleven Dallara, "Qualifying position here is going to be really, really important, but I'm happy – so far, so good. With the heat and all the different rubbers with the different series [running at Mid-Ohio this weekend], the track is changing constantly, so we're going to have to be smart about what kind of changes we want to make, because you can really make a mistake and go off with your car.”
Last year's Mid-Ohio polesitter Helio Castroneves was third fastest on the day, heading Team Penske team-mate Ryan Briscoe, while defending race winner and series points leader Scott Dixon was fifth. The Brazilian issued a veiled warning to his rivals after not finding the right circumstances to top the times.
