INDIANAPOLIS – A year without a full-time ride has only inspired 2016 Indianapolis 500 pole winner James Hinchcliffe.
The Andretti Autosport driver, who is contesting a limited schedule of races this year, was the fastest driver during Wednesday’s opening day of practice for the 104th Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Hinchcliffe’s No. 29 Genesys Honda turned a fast lap at 224.526 mph around the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Teammate Marco Andretti’s Honda was second at 224.345 mph, followed by five-time NTT IndyCar Series champion and 2008 Indianapolis 500 winner Scott Dixon’s No. 9 Honda at 224.047 mph.
Ryan Hunter-Reay, winner of the 2014 Indianapolis 500, was fourth at 223.341 mph in the No. 28 DHL Honda. Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso was fifth at 223.238 mph in the No. 66 Arrow McLaren SP Racing Honda.
A full report of Wednesday’s activity at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will follow shortly.