Next week IndyCar will test out a new format for the first practice session of each race weekend, with the new rules meant to prevent periods of time with no cars on track.
The changes will split up the practice time slot, which is typically just over an hour in length, into multiple sections.
The first 20 minutes will be run as normal, will all drivers entered for the weekend allowed to run as many laps as they would like.
After that time, the field will be split in half by their pit stall numbers, and each group will have the track to themselves for 10 minutes at a time.
The groups will alternate track time seamlessly throughout the session every 10 minutes that pass, each half of the field being allowed to turn laps during their designated timeslots.
The changes effectively lower the amount of track time each driver has available, but that is not as much of a concern for the opening practice session as it would be for others later in the weekend.
Due to tire limitations and the frequency of changes being made on pit road by the team’s crew during the first practice session, drivers are rarely at speed for more than half of the allotted time anyway.
In fact, the amount of time spent on pit road is one of the main reasons for the change in format. By splitting the field in half and essentially alternating when each group is making setup changes, fans will have at least some cars speeding past more consistently throughout the session.
Historically, after each driver completes a slow install lap at the start of the session, there has often been 10 to 15 minutes where very few drivers are actually turning laps.
The new rules will be tested out during the season-opening session on the streets of St. Petersburg on the afternoon of Friday, March 8, and will be evaluated afterwards to see if the format should be used or adjusted for future events.
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