Felix Rosenqvist launched himself back into the frame as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES resumed after the summer break, taking a top six finish in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500.
Rosenqvist was on fine form throughout the event, staged at World Wide Technology Raceway, and qualified a rapid second fastest with a 179 mph two-lap average around the 1.25-mile oval.
A penalty for an unapproved engine change ultimately demoted the Meyer Shank Racing driver nine spots on the grid, causing him to start 11th, but Rosenqvist maintained a strong presence in the race – working his way up into podium contention as the 260-lap event neared conclusion.
Unfortunately, a refuelling issue at the final scheduled pit stop meant Rosenqvist had to come back around for an extra stop, dropping him off the lead lap and unable to contend in the final shootout that followed a late red flag.
Still able to cross the line in sixth, however, the result nonetheless marked a welcome step in the right direction as Rosenqvist scored his best result in ten races to kick off the final stretch of the season.
“It was a really eventful race today,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “With the nine-place grid penalty we had, I’m pretty happy with P6 here. We recovered five positions, got some good points, and it’s nice to be back in the game. We’ve been strong all weekend, taking second in qualifying, and it’s a good boost for us to start off this final part of the season.
“We had a little hiccup in the end at the final (scheduled) stop, and we have to see what happened. Without that, I think we would have been in contention for a podium, but I’m just happy to be back with a good haul of points after a few difficult races. I hope we can keep it up to the end of the year.”
Rosenqvist now moves back inside the top ten in the overall championship standings.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is back in action next weekend (August 23-25) with the Grand Prix of Portland. Rosenqvist finished second in the Oregon event last year.
RESULTS
NTT INDYCAR SERIES | Rd. 13
Bommarito Automotive Group 500
World Wide Technology Raceway (USA)
1: Josef Newgarden (USA), Penske, 260 laps
2: Scott McLaughlin (NZL), Penske, +1.726s
3: Linus Lundqvist (SWE), Ganassi, +3.787s
4: Alex Palou (ESP), Ganassi, +6.051s
5: Colton Herta (USA), Andretti, +6.264s
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6: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE), Meyer Shank Racing, +1 lap
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
NTT INDYCAR SERIES | After 13/17 races
1: Alex Palou (ESP), Ganassi, 443 p.
2: Colton Herta (USA), Andretti, 384 p.
3: Scott Dixon (NZL), Ganassi, 378 p.
4: Will Power (AUS), Penske, 377 p.
5: Scott McLaughlin (NZL), Penske, 370 p.
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10: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE), Meyer Shank Racing, 249 p.