Home » Sports » Motor Racing
Barrichello passes key Indy 500 Oval rookie test, eyes race
Source: Agencies |
May 12, 2012, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
BRAZILIAN Rubens Barrichello completed his IndyCar oval rookie orientation program on Thursday, clearing the way for the Formula One veteran to race at this month's Indianapolis 500.
Despite spending almost two decades in F1, the 39-year-old Barrichello had to prove his skill on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 2.5-mile oval, going 10 laps at 200-205 mph followed by 15 laps at 205-210 mph and 15 laps at 210 mph or higher.
His performance makes him eligible to participate in full practice starting today at the famed Brickyard and qualifying scheduled for May 19-20.
"I enjoyed today very much," Barrichello said. "I want to thank IndyCar for having the ROP (Rookie Orientation Program) session. It allows you to progress gradually without too much pressure, so I was at ease with my car and the whole process.
Barrichello, who spent 19 seasons in F1 and started a record 322 races, moved to the North American-based series this year, making his IndyCar debut at the March 25 series opener on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
But for all his experience, Barrichello has never raced on the IndyCar's infamous ovals, something he once promised his wife he would never do.
Racing on ovals requires unique skills and a special bravery as cars stampede around the circuit wheel-to-wheel at speeds of more than 200 mph.
Despite spending almost two decades in F1, the 39-year-old Barrichello had to prove his skill on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 2.5-mile oval, going 10 laps at 200-205 mph followed by 15 laps at 205-210 mph and 15 laps at 210 mph or higher.
His performance makes him eligible to participate in full practice starting today at the famed Brickyard and qualifying scheduled for May 19-20.
"I enjoyed today very much," Barrichello said. "I want to thank IndyCar for having the ROP (Rookie Orientation Program) session. It allows you to progress gradually without too much pressure, so I was at ease with my car and the whole process.
Barrichello, who spent 19 seasons in F1 and started a record 322 races, moved to the North American-based series this year, making his IndyCar debut at the March 25 series opener on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
But for all his experience, Barrichello has never raced on the IndyCar's infamous ovals, something he once promised his wife he would never do.
Racing on ovals requires unique skills and a special bravery as cars stampede around the circuit wheel-to-wheel at speeds of more than 200 mph.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
