August 14, 2008
Junqueira Tops IndyCar Series Testing at Infineon Raceway
Infineon Raceway
SONOMA, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2008)
VITOR MEIRA during Thursday's testing in Sonoma.
Photo by: MIKE DORAN
Bruno Junqueira led the field on Thursday at Infineon Raceway as 14 IndyCar® Series drivers completed a full day of testing in advance of the PEAK Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma County, Aug. 22-24.
Junqueira (Dale Coyne Racing) covered the twisting 12-turn, 2.245-mile circuit in 1 minute, 17.75 seconds. This will mark Junqueira’s first-ever IndyCar race at Infineon Raceway.
The Brazilian native, whose sponsor, Z-Line Designs is based in nearby San Ramon, was followed by Vitor Meira (Panther Racing) at 1:17.80 and Scott Dixon (Target Chip Ganassi Racing) at 1:17.90 seconds. Dixon is the defending champion in Sonoma, as well as the reigning Indianapolis 500 winner.
This marked the first large-scale test of the modified version of the road course that will be used by the IndyCar Series next weekend. The modified course is designed to create a new passing zone in Turn 7.
“I think you will see some new passing with this change,” said Meira, who had a best finish of third at Infineon in 2006. “It’s a tough corner because you’re going from the fastest section of the track to the slowest, but it should be good.”
Marco Andretti (Andretti Green Racing), the 2006 race winner at Infineon Raceway, was fourth-fast on Thursday (1:17.97). All times supplied at the test were provided by the teams.
“I’m excited to be back here. I really like this circuit and it really suits my driving style, probably because I’ve had loads of laps around this place,” Andretti said.
Other IndyCar drivers testing on Thursday included: Jaime Camara (Conquest Racing), Enrique Bernoldi (Conquest Racing), E.J. Viso (HVM Racing), Oriol Servia (KV Racing Technology), Will Power (KV Racing Technology), Tomas Sheckter (Luczo Dragon Racing), Alex Lloyd (Target Chip Ganassi Racing), Ryan Briscoe (Team Penske), A.J. Foyt IV (Vision Racing) and Ed Carpenter (Vision Racing).
PEAK Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma County
Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: PEAK Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma County
WHEN: Aug. 22-24
CIRCUIT: 12-turn, 2.245-mile road course
2007 POLE WINNER: Dario Franchitti (Andretti Green Racing)
2007 WINNER: Scott Dixon (Target Chip Ganassi Racing)
NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series, Firestone Indy Lights Series and the Historic Grand Prix (vintage Formula One cars).
TICKETS: $10-$65 single day/$65-$85 weekend; parking is FREE
INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com, www.ticketmaster.com
Posted to Auto Racing - Champ Car/ Indy by Motorsports Journal « Go Back
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