Rocketsports Champ Car qualifying report First session
source:
champcarworldseries.com
No. 8 Alex Tagliani No. 17 Memo Gidley
Rocketsports drivers, Alex Tagliani and Memo Gidley qualified fifth and ninth
respectively today in the first qualifying session for the Molson Indy
Vancouver.
Tagliani, in the No. 8 Johnson Controls Lola, was fifth quickest and posted a
time of 1:01.539 (104.188 mph, 167.673 km/h). "The car felt good and the changes
we made throughout the session made the improvements we needed," said Tagliani.
"We were conservative with our changes and could have gone for more, but we were
looking for a balance between the temperatures of tires and brakes and the
changes pressures of the tires on the track. We could've capitalized on the
second set of tires and improved grip on the track. We'll keep working and
pushing for better results tomorrow.
"The effects of the changing temperatures of the tires, brakes, engine and the
track are hard to predict, and we're looking for that balance," added Tagliani.
"It's hot in the car out there, but it's great for the fans and it's always
beautiful in Vancouver. They'll have a great time at the race on Sunday,"
concluded Tagliani.
Memo Gidley posted a time of 1:02.071 (103.295 mph, 166.236 km/h) landing the
No.17 Air Force Reserve Lola, ninth in the provisional qualifying order.
Thrilled to be back in the Rocketsports seat, Gidley praised the machine, put
together by the Rocketsports crew.
"The car was good from the get-go and just got better and better with each lap.
It was great and did exactly what I wanted it to do," said Gidley. "Any changes
we made were in the right direction. I'm pleased with it and will see what it
has for me tomorrow.