Marcus Ericsson set the pace during Friday’s opening practice for the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix powered by AmFirst at Barber Motorsports Park. The Andretti Global driver posted a fastest lap of 1 minute, 7.7470 seconds in the No. 28 Bryant Honda. Ericsson’s best time came on Firestone’s alternate compound tires, which offer increased grip at the cost of faster wear.
Marcus Ericsson Seeks Bounce-Back Season
After a difficult 2024 campaign that saw him finish 15th in the championship, Ericsson aims to improve this year. The 2022 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner currently sits 12th in the standings after three races, showing signs of progress early in 2025.
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Alex Palou Maintains Consistency
Series leader Alex Palou continued his strong form, finishing second in practice with a lap of 1:07.7602 in the No. 10 HRC Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Palou, who has won the last two season championships, claimed victories in the first two races of 2025 and finished second most recently at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13.
“It was only 40 minutes plus a 12-minute session, and going straight to a race if tomorrow it rains will be tough,” Palou said. “But it’s the same for everybody, so we were able to find a couple of things to check, to test both (tire) compounds and see the difference there. It’s going to be interesting, for sure.”
Andretti Global and Chevrolet Performers
Colton Herta secured third fastest in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda, rounding out two of the top three spots for Andretti Global with a lap of 1:07.7728. Two-time series champion Will Power led the Chevrolet contingent, placing fourth at 1:07.7869 in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet.
Alexander Rossi continued his solid start to the season with Ed Carpenter Racing, finishing fifth fastest at 1:07.8098 in the No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet.
Challenges on the Barber Circuit
Barber Motorsports Park’s 17-turn, 2.3-mile natural terrain road course is one of the most demanding on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar. The track’s technical layout tests drivers’ skill and physical endurance.
During the session, two-time reigning Barber winner Scott McLaughlin briefly ran off into the grass exiting Turn 17 but avoided damage and continued in his No. 3 Good Ranchers Team Penske Chevrolet. McLaughlin later saved his car from contact during a dramatic power slide.
Felix Rosenqvist also went off track into the gravel in his No. 60 SiriusXM Honda for Meyer Shank Racing but avoided contact and remained on track.
Looking Ahead
The 90-lap Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix powered by AmFirst is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET Sunday and will be broadcast live on FOX, the FOX Sports app, and the INDYCAR Radio Network. Practice resumes Saturday at 11:30 a.m. ET, followed by NTT P1 Award qualifying at 2:35 p.m. Both sessions will air on FS1, the FOX Sports app, and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
