INDIANAPOLIS -- Led by 27-year-old Dutchman Robert Doornbos at a top speed of more than 221 mph, four of six Indianapolis 500 rookies have completed their mandatory driving test and have been cleared to begin full practice for the May 24 race.
Doornbos, Raphael Matos, Alex Tagliani and Mike Conway completed 10 consecutive laps in each of four speed brackets during the opening rookie session Tuesday. Nelson Philippe and Stanton Barrett began the test and will continue Wednesday. Pole-position qualifying is Saturday.
Doornbos' top lap was 221.735 mph.
The only faster drivers were veterans Paul Tracy at 223.089 and Scott Sharp at 221.735. Both were taking refresher tests because they have not competed in an Indy car this year.