Felix Rosenqvist survived a chaotic Detroit Grand Prix that featured eight caution periods, a mid-race burst of rain, numerous clashes, and wildly split strategies to rise from 22nd on the grid to P8 in Motor City.
In a race that saw nearly 50 % (47/100 laps) of its duration run under yellow, the #60 Meyer Shank Racing crew pitted Rosenqvist no less than five times (!) – including for a brief change to wet-weather tyres – as the Swede battled back from qualifying hardship.
Rosenqvist had been unable to progress from the opening stages of qualifying on Saturday for the first time this year, struggling for pace on the bumpy Detroit streets and also having his best time stripped after spinning and causing a yellow flag.
It was redemption day in the race, however, as Rosenqvist held on in a tumultuous first half to set himself up for a strong recovery that ultimately netted eighth place at the chequered flag.
It marks Rosenqvist’s fifth top ten in six NTT INDYCAR SERIES points races this season.
”Well, busy race!” says Felix Rosenqvist. “We literally got it all today: a puncture, a set of alternates (soft tyres) that completely grained out, rain, and a damaged car. All things considered, we have to be really pleased with P8 today in a race that could have swung either way. Especially coming from 22nd on the grid, it was a strong recovery and valuable points.
“It’s a good result to cap off the weekend – thanks to the team for navigating us through all this with a workable strategy!”
In what marks the final stretch of an intense triple-header, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is back on track next weekend (June 7-9) for the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America.
RESULTS
NTT INDYCAR SERIES | Rd. 6
Detroit Grand Prix
Streets of Detroit (USA)
1: Scott Dixon (NZL), Ganassi, 100 laps
2: Marcus Ericsson (SWE), Andretti, +0.856s
3: Marcus Armstrong (NZL), Ganassi, +4.912s
4: Kyle Kirkwood (USA), Andretti, +6.124s
5: Alexander Rossi (USA), Arrow McLaren, +8.953s
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8: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE), Meyer Shank Racing, +15.499s
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
NTT INDYCAR SERIES | After 6/17 races
1: Scott Dixon (NZL), Ganassi, 216 p.
2: Alex Palou (ESP), Ganassi, 198 p.
3: Will Power (AUS), Penske, 185 p.
4: Pato O’Ward (MEX), Arrow McLaren, 160 p.
5: Alexander Rossi (USA), Arrow McLaren, 150 p.
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9: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE), Meyer Shank Racing, 140 p.