Felix Rosenqvist is carrying high hopes going into the blue-riband event on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule: the 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
Practice for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” begins in earnest on Tuesday, as the world’s largest sporting event – attracting a race-day attendance of more than 300 000 fans – gets underway at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval.
Preparations for the race continue for nearly two weeks, including two days of qualifying this coming weekend as the 33-car grid is locked in at speeds of 230 mph.
EXPLAINED: Indy 500 qualifying format
The race itself then takes place on Sunday, 29 May.
Felix Rosenqvist, driving the #7 Vuse Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, is entering his fourth Indy 500. The Swede’s best result to date is a P12 finish in 2020, but hopes are high of topping that in the 2022 edition.
“I’ve got a really good hunch for the Indy 500 this year,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “For a start, I’ve now done this race three times before and that’s a big help in itself, especially mentally. You’re a lot more relaxed and know where to direct your energy.
“Also, we’ve got a great car on the ovals. I got the pole in Texas, on the one track most similar to Indy, and I’m confident with the feedback the car provides at high speeds.”
Adding to that, Rosenqvist just racked up his best result of the season so far with sixth in Saturday’s hectic GMR Grand Prix, having battled for victory before an unfortunate clash with team-mate Pato O’Ward.
“The GMR Grand Prix was our most competitive race yet and we’re coming straight from it,” Felix Rosenqvist concludes. “The timing is right going into the Indy 500. Chevrolet is really pushing at the moment, with four wins from five races so far this season. We have a fast car on the ovals. I’ve got that confidence-inspiring experience around here. Hopefully it all adds up to something quite special.”
The Indy 500 derives its name from its 500-mile (800 km) race distance, which equals 200 laps around the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Only one Swedish driver has ever won the legendary race; Kenny Bräck in 1999.
TIME TABLE
All times local (U.S. Eastern)
NTT INDYCAR SERIES | Rd. 6
106th Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (USA)
Tuesday 17 May
Free Practice 1: 09:00-11:00 am
Free Practice 2: 3:00-6:00 pm
Wednesday 18 May
Free Practice 3: 12:00-6:00 pm
Thursday 19 May
Free Practice 4: 12:00-6:00 pm
Friday 20 May (Fast Friday)
Free Practice 5: 12:00-6:00 pm
Saturday 21 May
Free Practice 6: 9:00-10:30 am
Qualifying: 12:00-5:50 pm
Sunday 22 May
Practice (Last Chance): 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Practice (Top 12): 12:30-2:00 pm
Qualifying (Last Chance): 2:00-3:00 pm
Qualifying (Top 12): 4:00-4:55 pm
Qualifying (Fast 6): 5:10-5:40 pm
Monday 23 May
Free Practice 7: 12:00-2:00 pm
Friday 27 May (Carb Day)
Free Practice 8: 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Sunday 29 May
106th Indianapolis 500: 12:45 pm
TIMING: INDYCAR App / racecontrol.indycar.com
ENTRY LIST: view here
TRACK DATA: view here