INDYCARNATION

 

SÃO PAULO, Brazil – Three rounds of IZOD IndyCar Series qualifications were postponed to four hours before the start of the São Paulo Indy 300 on March 14 based on driver feedback relating to the slippery concrete surface of the one-third-mile Anhembi Sambodromo frontstretch.

Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for the sanctioning Indy Racing League, met with drivers and team owners/managers mid-afternoon March 13 to devise a schedule that seeks to provide a safe racing environment and a good show for spectators and the worldwide viewing audience.

The scheduled qualifications were replaced by an hour-long third practice session for all cars. Drivers had two earlier sessions totaling 150 minutes. Verizon Team Penske driver Will Power topped the time chart with a quick lap of 1 minute, 31.2980 seconds. Andretti Autosport driver Tony Kanaan was second (1:31.3403).

After a 15-minute warm-up session at 8 a.m. (local; 7 a.m. ET), qualifications will follow. VERSUS’ race coverage begins at 11:30 a.m. (ET).It's the first time in Indy Racing League history that qualifying and the race have been on the same day.

“I like the circuit. I think it was  a good decision to qualify (March 14)," Power said. "It is a little tough going down the slippery start/finish straight. It will be a very physical race. Everyone got closer (in lap times) toward the end of the (final practice) session, which will make qualifying tighter and make it better for the fans.”

The top 14 (of 24) cars were separated by one second (Dan Wheldon 14th at 1:32.2469 in the No. 4 National Guard Panther Racing car). 

Promoter Bandeirantes and circuit designer Tony Cotman brought in grinding equipment following the final practice session in an attempt to "rough up" the concrete surface where drivers transition from the asphalt and the 180-degree Turn 11 of the 2.6-mile, 11-turn course onto the frontstretch.

"Understand that temporary or street circuits are unique to themselves and every one poses its own set of challenges, whether it's paving, street closures or fencing," Cotman said. "I didn't, obviously, expect the concrete to be the issue here. This is probably the first time the concrete is actually shinny and the rubber compound is not sticking to the concrete for whatever the reason.

"We want to have the concrete have a little bit more bite to it. We're also dealing with concrete that's a little uneven, as you do when you lay it in sections."

The Anhembi Sambodromo, with permanent grandstands on both sides, is primarily used for the parades of Carnival. Those were completed in late February. The circuit also incorporates a public highway (the nearly mile-long backstretch). The first concrete barrier was cast Jan. 15.

"The track itself is a very unique track with the long straightaway, the longest in the series, and it’s going to make for a good race and a lot of action," said FAZZT Race Team driver Alex Tagliani, who was eighth overall on the combined practice chart. "We have little issues here and there with the track but everyone was very good and responsive and said they would get it all fixed overnight. Those are just first-year glitches for a new track, in a new city and a new circuit but for the long term it is going to be really good to be racing here in São Paulo.”

The Indy Racing League issued this statement:

We continue to work with circuit designer Tony Cotman and the promoter to fine tune the track with the feedback we’ve received from the drivers. This process is no different than any other new circuit we visit for the first time.Tony Cotman has done a great job creating a fast and racy track that will be a challenge to these world-class competitors while putting on a great show for our enthusiastic fans. We appreciate our drivers’ feedback as we want to make this a track they will enjoy to drive.

Ryan Hunter-Reay, making his debut in the No. 37 IZOD car for Andretti Autosport, was third-quick on the combined prcatice sheet (1:31.3858). Justin Wilson, also in his first race for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in the No. 22 Z-Line Designs entry, was fourth (1:31.5380), while reigning series champion Dario Franchitti was fith (1:31.5788).
 

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