Strong rain has hit the Indy road course, as IndyCar qualifying gets delayed to tomorrow morning. Rain had been forecasted for this session, with the first drops already affecting the earlier Indy NXT race.
Track conditions had begun to worse during IndyNXT Race 1
In fact, race control, in line with the championship regulations, issued a red flag on Lap 12. This aimed at offering all drivers time to swap tyres. Eventually, racing resumed, with rookie Enzo Fittipaldi taking his maiden win in the series. The Brazilian talent overtook at-time race leader Hughes at Turn 12 and developed a 1.7 gap to him. Afterwards, a full course yellow neutralised the final two minutes of racing.
Then, at 5:30pm ET, the main event of the day was scheduled. IndyCar Qualifying for the Indy GP was supposed to begin and see the entire field take on the first challenge of the Month of May. Instead, the severity of rain immediately called for a delay.
No driver was allowed to test the actual track conditions, with the pace car the only challenger on track instead. Due to the severe hardships it encountered while lapping around the circuit, as well as the strong spray it lifted while being the only vehicle on track, race direction ultimately decided to postpone the session.
The announcement came only half an hour after the supposed beginning of Qualifying. In the meantime, all the grid remaining in their cars for that timeframe. The following statement appeared on the IndyCar social media, informing all viewers of the updated timing of the session.
”UPDATE: Due to inclement weather conditions at @IMS, NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifying for the Sonsio Grand Prix has been postponed until Saturday at 10:30 AM ET. Coverage will begin at 10:30 AM ET on FS2 before moving to FS1 at 11:30 AM ET.”
The announced revised schedule
Qualifying will replace the Warm-Up session, set to begin at that time, with weather forecasts significantly more positive compared to today’s rain. In fact, no more water is expected at the Indy road course.
Championship leader Alex Palou, who had led the way in both earlier Practice sessions, while both of his teammates Kyffin Simpson and Scott Dixon ended their day early due to technical issues, will have another chance in perfect track conditions to try and secure a top spot in his quest for a fifth championship win.
