Chip Ganassi Racing’s Jimmie Johnson in the No.48 Carvana Honda says that the Toronto track is even more challenging than he thought after the opening day of practice at Exhibition Place on Friday.
What an experience. I’ve watched the race for a few years and I thought I had an idea of how technical and tricky it is is. It’s even more challenging than I thought.
Johnson ended the opening day of action in 24th place with a time of 01:03.0238s.
Championship leader Marcus Ericsson in the No.8 Huski Chocolate Honda was fourth fastest on Friday with a time of 01:00.7262s and speaking following the action he said:
It’s nice to be back. It’s such a fun track. It’s very bumpy and rough, but the challenge in driving it I really enjoy. The No.8 Huski Chocolate Honda felt good out there. I’m happy with where we are. We’ll need to fine-tune things a bit but we’re in a good spot.
Three-time Toronto winner Scott Dixon in the No.9 PNC Bank Honda was eighth fastest with a time of 01:00.9854s and speaking following the action the Iceman said:
It’s been fun been back here in Toronto. The track is definitely exciting and was in pretty good shape. Only three-tenths off the quickest time and I think the No.9 PNC Bank Honda has got more than that in it. All four cars rolled off quite well.
Defending champion Alex Palou in the No.10 NTT DATA Honda rounded out the top ten with a time of 01:01.0522s.
Speaking following the action, the Spaniard said:
It is my first time in Toronto here, and it was super fun. So far, so good; the No.10 NTT DATA Honda is fast. We just need to get a bit more confident and ready for tomorrow. Looking forward to a good weekend.