Detroit GP – Qualifying 1: Power Breaks the Track Record

The Belle Isle circuit, located… on an island, hosts the seventh race of the year in IndyCar. Like the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal, it is a temporary track located in a public park (owned by the city of Detroit).

For this weekend of two races, which will mark the mid-season, Australian Will Power is emerging as a major contender for the IndyCar title against Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, who is leading the championship. Power is the only one to secure a third pole position this year. For the first qualifying session of the weekend, which determines the grid for the first race, he is followed by two of his teammates: Castroneves and Montoya.

The surprising and inconsistent Takuma Sato secures a very nice 4th place ahead of the Frenchmen Pagenaud and Bourdais. The latter seemed in contention for the best time but failed to repeat a good lap in the final phase of qualifying.

No Americans in the top 6

This is another disappointment for the American audience. Their compatriot, Mario Andretti, is 9th just behind Stefano Coletti, the best rookie on the grid. The Monegasque newcomer has recorded his best performance since the start of the season.

Graham Rahal, despite being in good form this year, is only 13th. The 2012 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay disappoints again with the 16th time. Hopes rested on the rookie Sage Karam. He was among the front-runners in free practice but did no better than 12th in qualifying.

The evolution of aerodynamic kits

As expected, the manufacturers Chevrolet and Honda brought new developments to Detroit.

Criticized during the very first Grand Prix of the season, the fragile front wings of IndyCar single-seaters have been extensively modified by both manufacturers. Honda has simply removed the ends in front of the front wheels; these imposing wing sections they were so proud of during the pre-season. This vertical block would easily break at the slightest impact during the race.

Chevrolet also reinforced and modified the design of its front wing for better impact resistance. The American manufacturer also took the opportunity to add a wing on the sidepods of the single-seaters it powers.

Bonus for young drivers

Vautier and Gonzalvez re-sign with Dale Coyne Racing. The Frenchman once again replaces Carlos Hertas, who is still recovering due to an inner ear problem.

On the side of Schmidt Peterson Motorsport, American Conor Daly replaces James Hinchcliffe. The Canadian suffered a violent crash during testing in Indianapolis. During the impact, a suspension arm pierced his left leg, causing a significant loss of blood. He was discharged after more than a week of hospitalization but is still not fit to drive.

Body color side for the weekend, Pagenaud and Kanaan are in white and light blue, Bourdais in white and green, Sage Karam adopts yellow while Castroneves sports the same colors as Power in white and black.

Canal+ Sport sees double

This weekend is a Double Header: 2 races in 2 days. The first takes place this Saturday evening at 11:50 PM on the pay channel. The second is scheduled for Sunday at 9:35 PM, live.