The Hindu : Sport / Racing : Motor : An exciting race on the cards

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jul 02, 2006

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Sport - Racing : Motor

An exciting race on the cards

The Indy track is the oldest dedicated racing circuit in the world, having been built in 1909,writes Narain Karthikeyan

I can't believe it's been one whole year since I scored my first points in Formula One. Time seems to be speeding along faster than a F-1 car. I have my next test scheduled in the first week of July at the Jerez circuit in Spain.

The United States Grand Prix will be held once again at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The track is the oldest dedicated racing circuit in the world, having been built in 1909 from 3.2 million bricks (hence the nickname "the Brickyard").

In fact, there is still a one-yard wide section of track at the start/finish line, which is made up of the original bricks. It is the largest spectator sporting facility in the world.

Without any time between the last race in Canada and this one in Indianapolis, the teams have not conducted any extensive testing programs.

Another power circuit

The circuit at Indy is very similar to Montreal, as it is also a power circuit. However, due to the twisty infield section, it requires a medium down-force set-up, where good traction is very important. Finding a compromise between a fast car on the flat out front straight, and a good handling car in the infield section will be a real challenge to the drivers and engineers.

Also, as the infield section is very sparingly used, it tends to provide very little traction in comparison to the main straight, where the banking and the constant racing events keep the track nice and clean.

Engine power will be rewarded at this circuit where the cars will reach speeds of up to 335-kmph and endure 55 per cent of the lap at full throttle. With approximately 23 seconds of flat out running on the start/finish straight every lap, the longest seen over the season, engines must be able to withstand the extremes of thermal and mechanical pressures.

Softer rubber critical

The unique nature of the banking on the front-straight also places certain loadings on the tyres. Combined with an intense build-up of heat from the high-speed straights, reliable, softer rubber which offers grip in the infield section is critical for a good race pace.

The 1.7-km long front-straight is also one of the best opportunities for overtaking at this circuit by slipstreaming along the straight section of the oval and pass under braking at the right-hander that takes you back into the infield. It also helps that the track is so wide here.

It should be a very exciting race on Sunday. Renault seems to be on top of its game, with Fernando Alonso performing well throughout this season.

Ferrari has also been traditionally strong at this circuit, winning four in the past five years. With McLaren and BMW Sauber improving with each passing race, the race could prove to be a real humdinger. I can't wait.

Gameplan

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