UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Ganassi pair on Indy row two

Wheldon and Dixon in '500'

Target Chip Ganassi Racing will take the start for the 91st Running of the Indianapolis 500 from the second row after qualifying on Pole Day saw Scott Dixon set the fourth quickest average speed (225.122 mph) and Dan Wheldon the sixth fastest (224.641 mph).

The Target teammates both qualified early in the day but were disappointed with their times as the track conditions had changed significantly from the past week’s practice in which both drivers had topped the charts all week.

Both Target cars were withdrawn in order to take the track for a second attempt in the final hour of qualifying where Dixon qualified on the inside and Wheldon takes the outside spot on the second row of the grid.

Both drivers will return to the track on Wednesday for continuing practice in anticipation of the Indianapolis 500.

Scott Dixon:

“We knew it was going to be a long day after that first run. I wasn’t really happy with the car. It was so nice this morning then we came out and it was difficult running. The wind changed things a bit. We were hoping to put in a decent run to start with, but that wasn't the case. We missed quite a bit on balance. (It was) frustrating, really. I think we were way under the window. We had lots of understeer. I was kind of thinking about waving it off to start with, but the team was adamant about putting in a time. The conditions today are so different than what we've been running with. It's frustrating. I think we missed by a bit too much.

(About the qualifying format): "I think it's cool. I think it is a very good way to do it for the fans. It had everyone going to the end."

Dan Wheldon:

“I’m kind of disappointed. There was definitely more speed in the car. For some reason, we just didn’t get it out. I’ve done out laps of 225.6 this month so we know there’s plenty of speed in the car, but for whatever reason, we didn’t get the most out of it.

That’s what Indianapolis is all about. It’s a challenge, and that’s the good thing about it. If it was easy, it wouldn’t be Indianapolis. That’s why I like it. That’s part of it. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Obviously, my car didn’t perform as well as I’d like. You’ve got to remember that the race is the big thing. That’s what keeps me so enamored with this event. It makes it a lot of fun. It’s great for the fans. That’s what it’s all about. There were a lot of people here and it should be exciting for them because they deserve that. “

Written: Mon, 14 May 2007 12:59:38