Pagenaud Flies to P2 in Baltimore Practice

Simon Pagenaud led the Honda-powered field Friday in practice for Sunday’s Grand Prix of Baltimore,posting the second quickest time around the 2.04-mile temporary street circuit in preparation for Sunday’s pentultimate race in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series.

Pagenaud survived a scare in the opening practice, when his Schmidt Hamilton Racing Honda Dallara hit a bump on the back straight and briefly became airborne, followed by a hard landing as the car returned to the pavement. After inspecting the circuit, race officials installed a temporary chicane to slow the cars and direct them to the smoother, left-hand side of the circuit. The change accomplished its goal, and no more unintentional “flights” were reported in the afternoon practice session.

Scott Dixon posted the third-quickest practice time, with Mike Conway, Dario Franchitti and Charlie Kimball rounding out the top-10 for Honda.

IZOD IndyCar Series activities in Baltimore continue Saturday, with final practice and “Fast Six” knockout qualifying. Sunday’s race starts at 2:30 p.m. EDT, with live television coverage on the NBC Sports Network.

Simon Pagenaud (#77 Schmidt Hamilton Racing Honda) second quickest in Friday practice: “The first practice was a bit short for us. I hit a big bump and the car took off like a plane. I saw only sky until it landed, pretty hard. I was sore at first, but I’m okay now. For the afternoon practice, the [race officials] installed a chicane at that spot and made it a lot better. It’s a lot of fun now, throwing the car at the corner [the chicane] and powering through.”