Baltimore IndyCar: Drivers welcome return of chicane

The chicane was a part of last year's layout, but was removed ahead of this weekend's race in response to feedback from drivers.

Attempts to run without the chicane in opening practice resulted in cars being launched skyward as they hit the bump, forcing the session to be stopped early.

The series initially hoped to solve the problem by regrinding the affected area of the circuit but it was eventually determined that the chicane would have to be reintroduced, although it has been changed from the three-point chicane used last year to a two-point configuration.

Will Power, who was quickest in the second session, said that it was the right move.

"I think it was definitely the right thing to do," he said. "It fixed the problem over the train tracks. They'll make a few more adjustments overnight, but all in all it's all good."

Power was backed up by Tony Kanaan, who had acted as a drivers' representative in working with IndyCar to resolve the problem.

"Last year, it was unanimous amongst all us drivers that we could take the chicane out," he said. "The tracks sit on rubber, so they're not the same from a year ago. We all thought we could avoid the chicane and have a better passing zone, and obviously we found out that we cannot.

"I think it was a great response from the drivers, IndyCar, and [track designer] Tony Cotman to be able to change it. I think it was a best solution that we could get."

Simon Pagenaud, who was one of those launched skyward during the morning session, said that the changes made the track more enjoyable to drive as well as being safer.

"I thought it was a lot of fun," he said. "Railway tracks are fun to deal with on a corner. It was a really good change."