Track issues delay Brazil qualifying

The concrete sections of the new street track proved particularly troublesome in practice, with drivers struggling to get the power down on the bumps and extremely slippery surface. The issue was at its worst on the pits straight, where both Ryan Briscoe and Ana Beatriz spun into the wall in the second practice session today while trying to keep their cars straight.

An additional hour-long practice session is taking place this afternoon in place of the scheduled qualifying, after which grinding will take place on the main straight in an effort to solve the problems.

The usual three-round IndyCar street course qualifying session will then run at 8.30am local time on Sunday, after another short practice to test the track repairs.

Ganassi's Scott Dixon was fastest in both practice sessions earlier today, ahead of Briscoe (Penske) and Tony Kanaan (Andretti Autosport).

Reigning champion Dario Franchitti crashed in the morning and was 11th in the afternoon. After the session he was strongly critical of the condition of the track

"[Motocross star] Ricky Carmichael would be better running round here than we are - it's so bumpy," Franchitti told IMS Radio.

"We expected it to be somewhat bumpy, but it's crazy. Up the front straight we're wheelspinning in fifth gear. It's like an ice rink. I'm not quite sure what's going on.

"If the surfaces were better, it would be an awesome track. Some bumps are cool, but this is a little bit beyond. At one point on the backstraight you've got all four wheels off the ground."

Series organiser the Indy Racing League said the track repairs were a matter of 'fine tuning' rather than a fundamental issue with the new course.

"We continue to work with circuit designer Tony Cotman and the promoter to fine tune the track with the feedback we've received from the drivers," said an IRL statement.

"This process is no different than any other new circuit we visit for the first time. Tony Cotman has done a great job creating a fast and racy track that will be a challenge to these world-class competitors while putting on a great show for our enthusiastic fans.

"We appreciate our drivers' feedback as we want to make this a track they will enjoy to drive."