It's not that IndyCar's race at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach wasn't a decent run in the books, but in theory, had there been different requirements to change up team strategies, perhaps the California street course would have ended differently, and potentially been more exciting for fans. In preparation for the upcoming road course race in Indianapolis, truly kicking off the Indy 500's "Month of May" festivities, IndyCar is making a change to see if strategy can really shake things up going to the Indianapolis road course.
Starting at the Sonsio Grand Prix (Saturday, May 10), teams will be required to use two sets of alternate (red sidewall) tires and two sets of primary tires in the race, increasing the "minimum" use of each compound by one. This will essentially force race day strategy from a possible one-stop to a three stop for drivers. Tire usage guidelines remain the same, as stated in the rulebook that cars must complete two laps "once the Green Flag has been displayed to the Race Leader."
The American open wheel series says that the changes are to help ensure a "thrilling and entertaining product for fans and generate even more strategic challenges for North America's premier open-wheel racing series."
IndyCar's president, Doug Boles, says the series is "continually looking into ways to improve an already extraordinary on-track product."
According to Boles, the higher degradation alternates should help broaden strategists choices for race weekend, especially between road and street courses. Higher degradation is already expected with the added weight of the hybrid systems which is also causing compounds to fall away faster than in prior years.
Another change for the Sonsio Grand Prix weekend is reduced practice time for drivers. Officials have stated that Practice 2 on the IMS road course will be adjusted, from a limited green flag guarantee of 45 minutes down to 35.
Also something to watch for and new for the weekend at the Children's of Alabama Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park is Firestone's new primary compound. Firestone says it will be a more durable tire but to expect a decrease in grip.
For those who want to keep track of what tires are being used through this weekend, and for the Sonsio Grand Prix at Indianapolis next weekend, you can check out Firestone's tire strategy live timing here.
