Q&A with Andretti Autosport Drivers

Ryan Hunter-Reay

AR1: How does the new surface on the backstretch effect you?

RHR: Big improvement on the backstretch. They ground the entire backstretch, definitely made a big improvement there. The rest of the track is very similar except for the front straight kink, just before start finish, is much smoother.

AR1: Did it improve your lap time?

RHR: it made it tolerable out there. Where your feet are not jumping off the pedals. Thanks to the promoters for doing that.

AR1: How do you think your qualifying effort will be with the 2 groups only today?

RHR: it depends on the gains we make in the second practice session. We have a lot of stuff we want to try. That is important. It is always tight qualifying in IndyCar

AR1: How fatigue are you after the long month in Indy?

RHR: We are right in the grind of the season right now. From here, we go to Texas and then a test at Road America and then home for a couple of days off. It is definitely the toughest part of the season.

AR1: Last Year the Honda was better on the ovals. Do you think this year it will be more Even on the road courses.

RHR: I think our competition still has an advantage on the larger road courses and the short ovals. On the street circuits, it is more of a level playing field.

Alexander Rossi

Rossi fastest Andretti driver

AR1: Are you rested up after the long month in Indy?

Rossi: Yea, I mean it was a much easier, smooth week than last year for me. It was nice to be back in my house for a couple of days. I was in the SIM on Wednesday preparing for this. I feel good.

AR1: Did you feel extra pressure for the Indy 500 because you won last year?

Rossi: No, not at all. I put pressure on myself to win every race, even if it is a charity go cart event. It is the same. It was actually a more enjoyable experience for me because I understood more about the race and what to expect.

AR1: How is the new smooth backstretch?

Rossi: They paved the part that does not really matter. It is great because it is smoother but all the corners are still bumpy. Our car setup is not that much different from last year. It is less up and down but the corners are still different. They only repaved the straight lines and that does not really change much. Having bumps on the straightaway does not effect lap times and performance.

AR1: How do you think the qualifying will go with the two groups?

Rossi: It is kinda the same. You still have to put in a good lap to advance to the top 12 in normal qualifying. So it is the same.

Rossi commented that the team is getting more Japanese treats because of the Indy 500 winner and they are very tasty.

Marco Andretti

AR1: How is the new smooth backstretch?

Andretti: They did a great job. I am definitely going to wind Roger (Penske) up when I see him and tell him it is way too smooth here now. They did a great job in turn 7 and the front straight as well. It is not as abrasive now. A lot of the improvements are in places that won't effect your lap time, but braking in 7 you could probably push now.

Takuma Sato

AR1: How are the improvements to the track?

Sato: it is definitely smoother. Less bottoming. It does not really performance issue, but they just down the straight. This is probably the most demanding circuit. Very physical, bumps and you are fighting the car in 13 different corners. The track changes for sure are helping us with the line and we are conserving some of our energy.

AR1: How do you think the qualifying will go with the two groups?

Sato: We will see. It looks like it is a good decision. I would be happier qualifying this afternoon instead of tomorrow morning. You will use the tires a bit more conservatively since it is one single shot. My only concern is how they are going to handle for the group dividing. Obviously tomorrow morning, the fastest guy this afternoon will choose whether to go to group one or two. I am sure they are going to swap around for the Sunday.

Lucille Dust/Autoracing1.com