Honda sees hope in first Indy 500 practice

Speeds are up in preparation for this year's Indianapolis 500. So are Honda's hopes after Day 1 of practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Despite Chevrolet posting the fastest two lap times, Honda had four of the quickest nine Sunday and turned a 226-mph lap.

"Speed-wise, it seems we can play," said Marco Andretti, who ran 226.268 mph. "But it's a little false glimmer of hope because (the lap time) is whoever worked the draft the best.

"So, it's sort of irrelevant."

Chevrolet-powered drivers Juan Pablo Montoya (226.772 mph) and Helio Castroneves (226.468) were 1-2 on the speed chart, with Castroneves fastest when the wind-aided draft is factored out. Ryan Hunter-Reay's Honda was second on that list.

"There's going to be a difference in ultimate lap speed and race-ability," said Hunter-Reay, who was ninth overall at 225.208 mph.

Clearly, these new speedway bodywork kits have made the action faster. Will Power set last year's opening-day pace at 223.057 mph, and if there's a similar 3.7 mph jump this year, then 236 mph is attainable. Mikhail Aleshin ran 232.917 as last year's best practice lap.

The gain is tied to more efficient aerodynamic pieces developed by Chevrolet and Honda. Cars of the previous three years used standard Dallara wings and sidepods.

Now the focus turns to this week's Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis, a Saturday event on the road course. Practice starts Thursday. The next oval activity is May 11.

Wilson 'sprinting' between teams

Justin Wilson will work for one IndyCar team this month — Andretti Autosport — but he'll essentially drive for two teams.

Wilson will have a crew and engineer for this week's road race, another for the 500. Blair Perschbacher will lead the former, Craig Hampson the latter.

Etc.

Dale Coyne confirmed that Francesco Dracone and Rodolfo Gonzalez will drive his team's cars in the road course event. Coyne hasn't decided which drivers will join Pippa Mann for the 500.

Rookie Stefano Coletti of KV Racing Technology missed Sunday's practice due to visa issues in Europe. Teammate Sebastien Bourdais gave the No. 4 Chevrolet six shakedown laps Sunday.

Townsend Bell also missed Sunday's practice while racing a sports car in Monterey, Calif. Davey Hamilton gave his No. 24 Chevrolet 19 laps (best lap of 219.960 mph).

Follow Star reporter Curt Cavin on Twitter at @curtcavin.