Linus Lundqvist produced yet another strong NTT INDYCAR SERIES performance this weekend, setting the fastest lap of the race – for the second time in three starts – and again taking rookie honours in Sunday’s encounter on the World Wide Technology Raceway oval.
Making his INDYCAR oval debut on the back of previous appearances on the Nashville street track and Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, Lundqvist impressed from the start in the 28-car field at WWTR.
The Swede stormed to 12th on the grid in an eye-catching qualifying performance, comfortably setting the pace among the rookies and lining up ahead of Meyer Shank Racing team-mate Helio Castroneves – an established oval specialist with a record-tying four Indianapolis 500 victories.
From his upper midfield grid slot, Lundqvist then strung together a solid race to come home 18th at the end of 260 intense laps. The 24-year-old once again crossed the line as highest-placed rookie, the team’s top finisher, and underscored his pace by setting the fastest lap of the race – the same feat he previously achieved on debut in Nashville earlier in the month.
“This has been a really valuable experience,” says Linus Lundqvist. “It was a solid race, but also extremely difficult. I was looking for gaps trying to pass other cars, going high on the banking, but there were a lot of marbles there and if you hit those you were effectively a passenger. It is not easy minimizing mistakes at these speeds for such a long race with such small margins.
“I had my moments, but the pace was very good once again and all in all, I’m super happy with this performance on my oval debut. I feel like I achieved everything I could realistically achieve, and it’s been a great learning experience for the future. Thanks again to the team for having me.”
Further information about Linus Lundqvist’s future racing commitments will be made available in due course.
NTT INDYCAR SERIES
Bommarito Automotive Group 500
World Wide Technology Raceway (USA)
– Results
