Felix Rosenqvist was in strong contention for victory in the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500, leading the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ crown-jewel event for 33 laps before suffering heartbreak when crashing out in the wake behind eventual winner Josef Newgarden.
Rosenqvist was primed for the best finish of his Indy 500 career after running in the top three throughout almost the entire race, having started on the front row.
”It was a fantastic race today up until that final stint,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “It became a fuel-save race today, which is unusual for the 500, but we hit our targets perfectly and were ideally placed to go for the win. I’ve never been in a better position here, I’ve never had a better car, and I’ve never driven better. I genuinely think we were the strongest team out there, especially in clear air.”
The victory charge, however, became undone on lap 183 of the 200 as Newgarden passed around the outside into Turn 1, causing Rosenqvist’s Arrow McLaren car to wash out and understeer into the wall.
The pursuing Kyle Kirkwood also got entangled in the crash, pitched into a spectacular barrel-roll, but both drivers escaped injury.
“I was just cruising behind the leader waiting to be released on my fuel numbers and go for it, and we were only moments away from taking off when Newgarden came around us,” Rosenqvist explains. “The car washed out and I very nearly saved it, but unfortunately we struck the wall and that was it. The margins are so small here and we gave it our best shot.
“I feel sad for the team, who have worked tirelessly the entire month to get us into such a strong position for this race. It sucks, but we just have to move on, take all the positives, and go win some races.”
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES returns to action already next weekend (June 2-4) with the Detroit Grand Prix.
RESULTS
NTT INDYCAR SERIES | Rd. 6
107th Running of the Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (USA)
1: Josef Newgarden (USA), Penske, 200 laps
2: Marcus Ericsson (SWE), Ganassi, +0.097s
3: Santino Ferrucci (USA), Foyt Racing, +0.527s
4: Alex Palou (ESP), Ganassi, +0.763s
5: Alexander Rossi (USA), Arrow McLaren, +0.993s
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DNF: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE), Arrow McLaren, +17 laps
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
NTT INDYCAR SERIES | After 6/17 races
1: Alex Palou (ESP), Ganassi, 219 p.
2: Marcus Ericsson (SWE), Ganassi, 199 p.
3: Pato O’Ward (MEX), Arrow McLaren, 185 p.
4: Josef Newgarden (USA), Penske, 182 p.
5: Scott Dixon (NZL), Ganassi, 162 p.
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13: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE), Arrow McLaren, 113 p.