Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon in the No.9 PNC Bank Honda says that the opening day of track action in Toronto was a bit messy. The New Zealander who is the most successful active driver on the streets of Toronto with four wins was 11th in the opening practice and speaking following the action where he set a time of 01:01.2794s he commented saying:
“It was a bit messy today. We had loads of traffic, which is typical of these street tracks, but it’s just hard to get a decent line with so many cars out there. I think the No. 9 PNC Bank car has plenty of speed, now we just need to piece it together.”
Championship leader Alex Palou in the No.10 Journie Rewards Honda was 12th fastest with a time of 01:01.3233s and speaking following the action, the Spaniard who holds a 110-point lead in the championship commented saying:
“It’s good to be back. There are a few changes on the track and it’s very bumpy with new pavement here and there, but still the same character. We got a lot of laps in, but had some issues at the end with a cut tire, so we couldn’t get all the laps that we wanted. But, we have lots of information and the car was fast, so I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
Marcus Ericsson in the No.8 Huski Iced Spritz Honda was the fastest Ganassi on day 1 ending the session in sixth place with a time of 01:00.9940s and speaking following the action he said:
“It’s good to be back in Toronto. This track is a typical street course here in INDYCAR. It is bumpy with different surfaces between concrete and asphalt. So, it’s a big challenge, but a challenge that I love. I personally love these types of tracks. It’s hard for drivers and teams to get it right, but I enjoy it. It was a good first session, we went through our program and I felt like the car was in the zone. We’ll keep working on that for the rest of the weekend and we’ll be right in the mix.”
Marcus Armstrong was 22nd and speaking following the action he said:
“It’s my first time racing here in Toronto and the Honda felt great. The track was a bit bumpy and I didn’t get a good lap in but we’ll review today and then get after it tomorrow.”