Speedway, Ind. – The NTT IndyCar Series announced this past weekend that they will make a change to the tire usage requirement for the Sonsio Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on Saturday, May 10.
For the 17th edition of the Indy Grand Prix weekend that kicks off the month-of-May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, team will be required to use:
- Two sets of alternate (Red) compound tires
- Two sets of primary (Black) compound tires.
The change adds one additional usage per tire compound, forcing teams to make additional stops during the race. According to IndyCar rules, no requirements of new “sticker” sets of tires used in the event. Teams must complete two completed laps needed to satisfy the tire requirement rule, where one lap must begin once the Green Flag has been displayed to the Race Leader (Rule 15.3.3.2.3).
The tire compound requirement will look to ensure high performance output by all 27 drivers, ultimately increasing the excitement and entertainment value of the on-track product. Tire allocations will remain with the current allocation of five sets of primary and five sets of alternate tires.
“IndyCar is continually looking into ways to improve an already extraordinary on-track product,” IndyCar President Doug Boles said. “Firestone is a terrific partner, and their higher degradation alternate tire has given strategists plenty to think about on road and street circuits this year. We expect this update will challenge teams and drivers even more.”
Additionally, the series will adjust the on-track activity during the Sonsio Grand Prix practice 2 on the IMS road course from 45 minutes to 35. Upon completion of the Sonsio Grand Prix, IndyCar will review both updated procedures and evaluate for future events.
The Sonsio Grand Prix will be the fifth race of the 2025 NTT IndyCar schedule, and will start at 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday, May 10 on FOX and the IndyCar Radio Network on SiriusXM channel 218.
The Trackside Report 
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