USF2000: Franzoni leads Friday practice

Brazil's Victor Franzoni led the first and second USF2000 sessions on Friday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Franzoni, who is out of title contention, turned a 1m26.7907s lap Friday morning to sit ahead of teammates Parker Thompson (-0.2456) and Anthony Martin (-0.3653). As the only two drivers with a shot at the championship, the progress of the Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing duo will be the central focus for the first step of the Mazda Road to Indy weekend in Monterey.

The hotter afternoon session saw times slow but it didn't impede Franzoni from topping the field again with a 1m27.7578s lap to lead Luke Gabin (-0.2580) and Thompson (-0.2993).

Martin, who leads Thompson 347-326 in the points, was no better than sixth (-0.5440).

UP NEXT: Round 1 qualifying, 10:05 a.m. PT