Pato O’Ward and the #5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet team have started their participation in the Freedom 250 Grand Prix with difficulties, held Saturday morning. With track quality marked by irregularities and a hot atmosphere, O’Ward finished the first practice session in 13th position, with a best time of 58.2334 seconds.
The 27-year-old Mexican driver was 0.8590 seconds off the best time, which was achieved by Kyle Kirkwood, with a time of 57.3744 seconds. In the second practice session, O’Ward improved his performance, positioning himself fifth and finishing 0.2591 seconds behind the best driver, Alex Palou, who clocked 56.6145 seconds.
O’Ward described the recently designed circuit, 1.7 miles long and with 7 turns, as a layout with a lot of character. ‘It’s a very short but exciting circuit. I was looking forward to seeing the evolution that the use of wet tires to dry brings’, the driver commented. ‘So far it has been a good session to learn a lot about what this track has to offer’.
Problems with circuit irregularities
The conditions of the new circuit have posed a significant challenge for both drivers and engineers. O’Ward noted that the strong bumps on the track caused damage to the equipment and compromised speed on the straights. ‘There are several bumps that make gear changes complicated and can significantly reduce speed’, he added.
These issues have forced many teams to review their initial setups. O’Ward commented: ‘The front of the car was too low, and we had to start raising the vehicle. The impacts were very aggressive’.
The physical factor of the weather
In addition to mechanical setup, drivers’ physical condition will play a key role during the 147 laps of the race scheduled for Sunday. The high temperatures and humidity over the weekend have forced O’Ward to pay special attention to hydration. ‘Physically, the humidity is intense, and we lose a lot of water. I left the session weighing the least I have this season’, he concluded.
Despite the severe conditions, O’Ward is confident in his physical preparation to face the challenge. ‘I’m ready for the fight on the street. I train very hard while I’m at home and in the office. These situations are what I prepare for to ensure my performance doesn’t drop. I expect it to be a tough race’.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
