IndyCar divers rave after taking 1st test runs around Indy's new road course

Sebastian Saavedra, of Colombia, takes a turn during testing for the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis auto race on the new road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Wednesday, April 30, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) (The Associated Press)

Will Power, of Australia, takes a turn during testing for the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis auto race on the new road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Wednesday, April 30, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) (The Associated Press)

IndyCar drivers are excited about the new road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Former Indy 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya called the changes major improvements. Former 500 runner-up Takuma Sato called it the smoothest road course he's driven in the United States.

And American Graham Rahal said the 14-turn, 2.439-mile course was just plain fun after testing Wednesday.

Will Power topped the speed chart at 124.697 with 90 minutes left in the afternoon practice, more than 100 mph slower than last year's Indianapolis 500 pole-winning speed.

With more passing zones and harder braking areas, IndyCar drivers think it will make the Grand Prix of Indianapolis a more enjoyable race for the fans. The inaugural race is scheduled for May 10.