For fear of rain and wind forecast at the Speedway for Saturday, the Indy moved qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 forward by one hour
Indy announced that it has brought forward the Saturday qualifying activities (21) of the Indianapolis 500. The scheduled free practice session was shortened from 90 to 60 minutes, and will now start at 9:30 AM (Brasília time) instead of 10:00 AM. Qualifying, meanwhile, has been brought forward to 12:00 pm.
The Indy's measure is due to the high risk of rain in Indianapolis on Saturday. According to the Weather Channel, potential thunderstorms could occur in the afternoon, right around qualifying time. The forecast is for a high of 29°C and a 79% chance of rain.
The winds, which marked the week and generated complaints from drivers, also became a point of attention. The forecast is that they will blow in a southwest direction at speeds that can reach 17 km/h.
On the other hand, Sunday, with the pole position, has a low chance of rain, with only 24%. The forecasted maximum in Speedway, Indiana, is 18°C.
Indy 500 qualifying is separated between Saturday (21st) and Sunday (22nd). The first day will define the 13th to 33rd places on the grid, while 12 drivers will advance to the next afternoon for the definition of the pole-position.