Rain in Edmonton
In fact, the rain has created standing water on the course — fine for aircraft landing but not for race cars — that forced the practice schedule to be reconfigured for Firestone Indy Lights and the IZOD IndyCar Series.
The latest:
4-5 p.m. (ET) Firestone Indy Lights all cars.
5:15-6:45 IZOD IndyCar Series all cars.
“I think a lot depends on what the whole weekend is going to do, and if it’s not going to rain the whole weekend, then there is not much point in running in the rain," said Team GoDaddy driver Danica Patrick. “Especially the first time going out on the track when it’s these conditions, when it’s slippery and there’s a lot of standing water and you’re trying to learn the track.
“For me, what I suggested, is that if it looks like it’s drying out and there is going to be a drying line, then we’ll go out in the rain tires and wear them out. Other than that, I don’t really know if we’ll run."
During the drivers’ meeting this morning, the teams were informed that there were a number of spots on the track that have built up excess water.
“That tends to be the biggest concern, because when someone is in front of you, you can’t see anything," said Patrick. “We find that to be a common issue with a lot of street courses. They’re not always great to run on in the rain.
“We’ll probably just push pause here and wait and see if the track dries off."
The IndyCar series was scheduled to have three practice sessions in total on Friday.
They'll have another opportunity to practice Saturday prior their qualifying session. The race goes on Sunday (12:50) at the City Centre Airport track.
The forecast calls for rain all day Friday, with a high of 15C. Saturday's not much better, with an 80% chance of rain and a high of 17C. Sunday looks a little better, with only a 20% chance of rain and a high of 23C.