On July 31st, it was announced that Sonoma Raceway will undergo three slight modifications to its track layout before the GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. The changes made to turns seven, nine, and eleven were conducted with the intent to create more overtaking throughout the race weekend.
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[/media-credit]Ryan Briscoe of Penske Racing traveled to Sonoma at the end of July to speak out on the changes made to the California circuit.
“As drivers, we should all be excited with the track configuration as it will help open up more areas for passing. With the new turn 7, it is going to be a slower corner with heavy breaking and later turning, which will become an added passing opportunity. Turn 11 will also create a new challenge with a longer chute leading to carry more speed into the start/finish line. I certainly welcome the new changes because they added to the beauty of driving the circuit,” Briscoe tells racer.com.
With these new changes made to the track, the IndyCar teams have decided to test in Sonoma on Friday, August 17th. The teams will look to gain vital practice and data acquisition in preparation for the Grand Prix on August 26th.
The day long test will be open and free to the public.
A driver of note that will make an appearance at the test is Sebastian Saavedra. The Columbian racer will be a fourth entry for Andretti Autosport/AFS Racing. Saavedra last competed in the IZOD IndyCar Series throughout the month of May for the Indianapolis 500. Sebastian started 24th and finished 26th in the Greatest Spectacle in racing.
Following the GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, the IICS will have two races remaining. The Grand Prix of Baltimore will be 2:30 PM ET on September 2nd and the season finale will be in Fontana, California on September 15th at 8:30 PM ET for the MAVTV 500.
