In the NTT IndyCar Series, drivers returned to the Thermal Club track for another round of testing. Throughout the afternoon, they had three hours to try out different configurations and strategies. As the session progressed and the track cooled down, lap times improved compared to the morning session. Once again, Alex Palou stood out as the fastest driver, showcasing his skills and reaffirming his dominance. With a lap time of 1 minute and 39.3373 seconds, he outpaced his competitors by a significant margin. Felix Rosenqvist and Romain Grosjean closely followed, demonstrating their strong partnerships with their respective teams. Rinus VeeKay and Christian Lundgaard also had respectable performances, providing valuable data for the upcoming weekend. Despite a brief interruption caused by Christian Rasmussen, the drivers faced challenges in the afternoon due to low grip on the track. Despite some scares and trips through the gravel, most drivers managed to stay on track. However, the slippery conditions resulted in significant tire wear, leading to significant drops in lap times after just a few laps. Tire management will be crucial in the 20-lap main event on Sunday, as tire changes will not be allowed. Drivers who can better preserve grip levels will have a strong chance of reaping substantial rewards. On Saturday, there will be another four hours of testing, followed by evening qualifying sessions.
