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The two Honda IZOD IndyCar drivers for Chip Ganassi Racing topped the charts Friday for the one-hour Miller Lite Carb Day practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. DARIO FRANCHITTI led the 32 drivers at 00.40.4749/222.360 mph, followed by teammate SCOTT DIXON at 00:40.4906/222.274 mph. Third fastest was MARCO ANDRETTI/Andretti Autosport Chevrolet with a 00:40.5950/221.702 mph
The two Ganassi drivers swapped positions once during the session, and there were no other leaders.
The session had no drama. Firestone engineers said the track temperature was 109 degreesF.
The only driver to miss the session was ANA BEATRIZ/Andretti Autosport Chevrolet. The crew thought there might be a leak, so it changed the engine. She was due to start thirteenth in Row 5, but now will have to start from the rear of the field.
JEAN ALESI/Fan Force United Lotus, the oldest driver in the field at 47, was the slowest, with only eight laps in the session. His time was 00:44.0202. The veteran Formula One driver had a 12- year career, with one victory in 201 starts. His last GP was the 2001 Japanese Grand Prix. For the Indy 500, Alesi is considered a Rookie as he has never before raced on an oval.
While 30 of the drivers turned double digit numbers of laps, Alesi and JAMES JAKES/Dale Coyne Racing Honda were at the other end of the spectrum. Jakes turned nine laps and was thirtieth overall.
Pole sitter RYAN BRISCOE/Team Penske Racing Chevrolet ran the most laps – 53, and was fifth overall, behind TAKUMO SATO/Rahal Letterman Lannigan Honda.