INDIANAPOLIS, Sunday, May 6, 2007 ? Rookie Milka Duno completed the four phases of the Rookie Orientation Program on the Opening Day of preparations for the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500.
Duno, driving the No. 23 CITGO Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone, lapped the 2.5-mile oval in 42.0310 seconds, 214.128 mph.
“I understand now why drivers say Indianapolis is the most difficult track in the world. Everything happens so quick, so fast. You have to be precise in every corner. All four corners are different. You have to drive with so much concentration and focus and so precisely.”
Rookie driver Phil Giebler passed two of the four phases of rookie testing while several veteran drivers turned laps as part of refresher tests, including Michael Andretti, Ryan Briscoe, Jon Herb, Jaques Lazier and Davey Hamilton, who turned his first competitive IndyCar Series laps since he was involved in a crash in 2001. Andretti led all drivers with a fast lap of 40.9330, 219.871 mph.
“It was great to get back out there today, get a few laps in and get all of the cobwebs out,” Andretti said. “I’m looking forward to a great month of May.”
Rookie Orientation and driver refresher tests continue May 7. The first practice open to all veterans of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 8.
FASTEST SPEEDS OF DAY
Pos. Car Name C/E/T Speed
1 39 Michael Andretti D/H/F 219.871 mph
2 12 Ryan Briscoe D/H/F 218.215 mph
3 02 Davey Hamilton D/H/F 218.022 mph
4 21 Jaques Lazier P/H/F 216.467 mph
5 23 Milka Duno D/H/F 214.128 mph
6 19 Jon Herb D/H/F 211.697 mph
7 21 Phil Giebler P/H/F 209.387 mph
PRACTICE NOTES:
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