Linus Lundqvist has completed his first INDYCAR oval test, working through a productive day with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing at Texas Motor Speedway on Monday…
Linus Lundqvist has completed his first INDYCAR oval test, working through a productive day with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing at Texas Motor Speedway on Monday.
Following overnight rain, the test – which marked Lundqvist’s second-ever outing in INDYCAR machinery (the first coming at the Indianapolis road course back in 2021) – eventually got going once the track dried up, with the reigning Indy Lights champion quickly up to speed.
Despite the rain washing away much of the grip laid down in Sunday’s PPG 375 INDYCAR race at the Dallas venue, Lundqvist soon lapped the 1.5-mile superspeedway flat out, experiencing the sensation of one of the world’s fastest race tracks – famous for its 220+ mph average speeds.
“Wow, this place is seriously fast,” says Linus Lundqvist. “It’s almost hard to describe the feeling of driving around here in this car. I actually felt a bit sick in the beginning before the body and brain adapted to the speed and the banking. It was a powerful sensation, but I did feel really comfortable going flat out after just a few laps. It’s been an amazing day, so much fun, and so much learned. A big thank you to RLL for giving me this opportunity.”
Lundqvist conducted the test behind the wheel of Rahal’s #45 car, normally driven by Denmark’s Christian Lundgaard in the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The Swede racked up nearly 250 laps during the day, almost matching the race distance of Sunday’s PPG 375.
“Linus did a lot of running and that’s what it was all about, just giving him time in the car,” says Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team co-owner Bobby Rahal. “We weren’t necessarily looking for a top speed but we did find a lot of good things at the test that would have made us more competitive the prior day.
“Texas is one hell of a race track to get your first oval test in an Indy car at and Linus didn’t make any mistakes. He did a good job and I’m pleased for him. Our guys were pleased as well, so all in all a great experience for everyone.”
Further information about Linus Lundqvist’s 2023 racing activities will be announced shortly.
Links
NTT INDYCAR SERIES
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
