Weather uncertainty adds to variables facing Indy teams

Friday's traditional Carb Day, which includes the final practice session ahead of the Indianapolis 500, has extra layers of importance this year. Beyond the decision facing Alexander Rossi and his ECR team on whether the 2016 Indy winner will be clear to take up his front row start following his heavy crash on Monday's post-qualifying practice session, it will provide a chance to learn as much as possible about a track that has had considerable rain in the interim.

"It's so difficult to try and predict where the track might be just from a temperature stance, but also now with so much rain, how much grip may or may not be on the track as well," said Dreyer & Reinbold Racing’s Jack Harvey. "We're going to limit those variables, go with what we know at least what worked on Monday. I thought we were pretty quick, and we could dice a decent amount. So that's good. I think we tried to not be too smart in this moment and go with what we knew and adapt on Carb Day – if we get it in."

The prospect for rain in the Indianapolis area goes up tomorrow afternoon, and the current forecast for race day indicates a 50–65% chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon. While scattered showers seem more likely than a total washout, high humidity and unstable conditions raise the possibility of delays and add to the complexity of setup for varying temperatures and wind.

"When you have [tail] wind, it's completely different," noted AJ Foyt Racing’s Caio Collet, who was the fastest rookie qualifier in 10th with his No. 4 (pictured above) but, like Harvey, lost his position due to a technical infringement and will start from the back row on Sunday. "Like qualifying, for example, [Turns] 1 and 4 felt really, really good, like you're driving with 100 kilos more of force. Then you go to 2 and 3 with the back wind, it's like the rear wing is off. It's completely different. You need to nail what you have and especially with the tools, you need to be proactive. So it's cool."

Along with the technical challenges, the Brazilian is also impressed by the higher level of pomp and circumstance surrounding the month of May, and says he's enjoying that aspect as well.

"I don't think you can understand how big is the race until you actually do it and start to be a part of it," he said. "Last year was my first time watching and being here during the month, but when you're actually driving, like the atmosphere of the team, it's really impressive, the fans that you get in front of the garage. Then when you go and drive your car up to pit lane like on Fast Friday and qualifying, they start to cheer you on, the fans. It's really awesome to be part of this."

Collet acknowledged the enforced move from Row 4 to Row 11 will require a bit of an adjustment, though.

"Monday was when everyone started to drive only with race [setup] cars – a lot of fuel and a lot of laps. I think I felt quite comfortable," he said. "When you're behind the pack, it changes a bit the approach as well, and what we're doing with the car changes a little bit and the strategy as well with the team. We had to adapt a bit, but hopefully we can do some good strategies, good pit stops, and move forward."