Testing for the Verizon IndyCar Series at Barber Motorsports Park was initially delayed due to mist, however once it got started, Team Penske showed the way with their three drivers topping the speed charts.
Will Power topped the charts in his No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet with a lap of 01:07.6492 seconds around the 2.3 mile road course.
“We’ve had to try different things, so it’s a good day for that,” Power commented. “Obviously the track conditions are exceptional, a lot of grip because it’s so cold, you gain a little bit of downforce. You’re always learning, there’s no use in belting around there not learning anything. We found some more good stuff, crossed off things that don’t work and I think we’re in a good place.”
Juan Pablo Montoya was second quickest, seven tenths of a second off of his Team Penske teammate.
“Just trying to get better and figure out new tires a little bit. I’m trying to learn how to get more out of the car and we’re getting there. It was good today, but there’s a couple of places that I need to do a little better job and be a little cleaner, but we’re getting there.”
Montoya is making his return to open-wheel competition after his tenure in NASCAR and drivers & media alike have debated whether Montoya will have success right off the bat. Power says so far, it’s been good working with Montoya.
“Collectively as a team we try to improve the car and learn from each other, but when it comes to racing, the better guy is going to be winning. It’s competition; it’s just how it is,” Power added. “This series, he could win the first race quite easily. I expect him to definitely drive to the front everywhere, so if you’re at the front knocking on the door, eventually you’re going to get a win.”
Castroneves rounded out the Team Penske three-some, followed by Scott Dixon as Chevrolet swept the top four sports. Takuma Sato rounded out the top five in fifth with his A.J Foyt Racing Honda.
Ryan Briscoe was sixth quickest, followed by Justin Wilson, Simon Pagenaud, James Hinchcliffe and Ryan Hunter-Reay.
“The Open Test at Barber is like going back for the first day of school,” Pagenaud commented. “We’ve got a brand new bright blue livery on the No. 77 car, and I really love how it stands out from all of the other cars on track. The SPM crew has done a great job preparing the car because we’re already very fast. Honda’s engine seems to be very powerful and we were right at the top of the time sheet for the whole day at Barber.”
Pagenaud added that he feels good with where the team is right now compared to last year.
Teams will be given another test session tomorrow to continue to work on their cars leading to next weekend’s season opener. Montoya says it’s a really good opportunity to keep working on the car.
“We’re going to try to get in some long runs tomorrow and hopefully running in some traffic,” Montoya commented. “I think that is going to be one of the key things (heading into St. Petersburg).”
