Josef Newgarden posted the fastest speed during Monday practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500. The two-time Indy 500 winner was the only driver to break the 226 mph barrier with a lap at 226.198 mph. However, only 34 minutes of the scheduled two-hour session were run under green-flag conditions, first because of a heavy crash involving Alexander Rossi and later due to thunderstorms that forced an early end to the session.

Back to regular boost-levels

After engines ran at elevated boost levels during qualifying weekend, they were turned back down to the race-spec configuration for Monday’s practice. As expected, this resulted in slower lap speeds compared to qualifying.

The track became busy early in the session as rain threatened the area. That created ideal conditions for drafting and race simulations, with large packs quickly forming around the speedway — similar to what is expected during the race itself. Takuma Sato led the opening portion of the session by a comfortable margin.

Heavy crash for Alexander Rossi

About 30 minutes into practice, disaster struck for Alexander Rossi. After an incident-free opening week of Indy 500 practice, Rossi lost control of his No. 20 ECR entry in Turn 2 and slammed heavily into the outside wall. Pato O’Ward, who was running the high line, spun his car in an attempt to avoid a head-on impact with Rossi and then backed into the damaged machine. Behind O’Ward, Romain Grosjean also spun while taking evasive action.

All three drivers climbed from their cars under their own power. Both O’Ward and Grosjean were cleared following evaluations at the infield medical center. Rossi’s condition remains less clear, although he was seen walking slowly and with difficulty toward the waiting ambulance.

Josef Newgarden sets fastest time

After a lengthy caution period, the session appeared set to resume, with Josef Newgarden quickly surpassing Sato’s benchmark speed. However, with 55 minutes remaining, the yellow flag was displayed again after lightning was detected within 10 miles of the circuit. Rain soon arrived over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, bringing the day to an early conclusion.

Drivers will return on Friday for Carb Day, featuring a final two-hour practice session ahead of the Indianapolis 500, followed by the annual pit stop competition.

Full results of the 7th free practice session on Indianapolis