The team completed fewer laps than anticipated due to cool temperatures and high winds that ranged from 20-40 mph. Servia completed 63 trouble-free laps with a best lap time of 54.0 while Hinchcliffe quickly adapted to the Honda / Dallara / Firestone package and completed 46 trouble-free laps with a best lap time of 54.6. The forecast for Tuesday is slightly warmer with reduced winds.
“I am smiling because I haven’t been in a car in a while and it reminded my how much I love it,” said Servia who is from Catalonia, Spain. “I’m also smiling because we were able to try a lot of big changes in the setup that we wanted answers on and got some of them despite the super cold and windy conditions and that’s good. We’re excited to get back at it tomorrow and find the rest of the answers. It’s supposed to be less windy. I’m very happy with how the day went. Newman/Haas Racing worked hard like they always do. I’m very happy to be back and continue working.”
“I think the first day went very well,” added Toronto native Hinchcliffe, 24. “Today’s main focus was to get comfortable in the car and get used to the faster speeds of an Indy car. The conditions weren’t super ideal with it being cold and windy but I think we coped with it well and got some good miles in. It was a great opportunity for me to work with the engineers and start building a relationship there and to also work with Oriol who is a great guy for me to learn from. For sure we had a successful day and I’m looking forward to making more progress tomorrow.”
The 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series (IICS) season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will take place March 25-27. NHR took their first IICS victory, and 106th overall, in the event in 2008 with Graham Rahal behind the wheel.
About Newman / Haas Racing…
Newman / Haas Racing (NHR) was formed by actor / race car driver Paul Newman and racing entrepreneur Carl A. Haas and is one of the most successful open wheel racing teams competing today. In 2011 the team will participate in their 29th season of competition and will attempt to add to the eight championships, 107 race wins and 109 pole positions they have earned to date.
For more information, log on to www.newmanhaasracing.com or www.indycar.com.
- Newman / Haas Racing Press Release
