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IndyCar drivers encouraged by Sears Point track changes following pre-race test

Sears Point's recent track revisions met with a positive response as IndyCar drivers tested at the Californian circuit ahead of next weekend's race

As revealed by AUTOSPORT, Turns 7, 9 and 11 were all remodelled in the hope of increasing overtaking opportunities following consultation with drivers, officials and team bosses.

While the test was not run with official timing, it did at least allow drivers to acclimatise to the new layout, which earned positive appraisals.

Penske's Will Power, among the day's fastest runners according to lap times provided by engine manufacturers, predicted the track revisions would have the desired effect of encouraging passing.

"I think the track is definitely going to promote more passing in Turn 7," the current championship leader said.

"The passing zone in (Turn) 7 is the best one, but if they changed Turn 11 to modify the exit curbs a bit it could be good, as well, but good changes, for sure."

"It was almost like learning a new track," Dario Franchitti opined. The Scot, who was slightly slower than team-mate Scott Dixon - who matched Power's time - added: "It's just three new corners and it's actually quite different from what we're used to running, but any time you can get track time with this new car it's valuable."

Rahal Letterman's Takuma Sato, whose testing programme ended early when he hit the wall under braking at Turn 9, was also enthusiastic about the changes.

"We couldn't complete the testing items but we were able to get more experience and collect valuable data today," he explained. "The area after the high speed Turn 6 and braking into Turn 7 is much tighter than last year and it seems that a good braking battle can go on there.

"Turn 11, which is the very last corner can still be improved a bit. There was a question whether the corner was too tight and they already got rid of some rumble strips today during the test so the track changed from this morning to the afternoon."

The test also gave Charlie Kimball a chance to return to the cockpit, the Ganassi man having been forced to miss Mid-Ohio with a hand injury suffered in testing. He was given medical clearance to race earlier this week.

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