NTT INDYCAR SERIES
RD. 10 – ROAD AMERICA (USA)
Felix Rosenqvist produced an emphatic recovery to go from 18th to sixth in a caution-free NTT IndyCar Series race at Road America on Sunday, simultaneously snatching the lead of the rookie classification.
After failing to advance in qualifying by just half a tenth around the 6.5 km Wisconsin road course, Rosenqvist retaliated in style in the 55-lap race as he mirrored Chip Ganassi Racing team-mate Scott Dixon in efficiently rising through the field.
Rosenqvist gelled an offset strategy – which saw him start on the Firestone primary tyres – with strong pace and robust race craft to advance a full 12 positions on his way to P6; the most places gained of anyone compared to their original grid slot.
The Swede capped sixth place with a bold move around the outside of fellow series newcomer Colton Herta at Turn 5 on the very final lap, snatching Rookie of the Day honours in the process.
Up front, Alexander Rossi won the race from Penske duo Will Power and Josef Newgarden, with Graham Rahal fourth and Dixon fifth.
Today’s result sees Rosenqvist break back into the top ten in the overall IndyCar drivers’ classification. He now also leads the rookie standings.
“It was a really well-executed race from the team, especially from the strategy side,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “I think we nailed it. There wasn’t any safety car this time, so considering that we went from P18 to P6, it was a very good run. Basically all overtaking was done on track. There was a lot of tyre management in the race, and I think that was the main key – especially on the Firestone reds (alternate tyres). We managed to get out in clear air on the reds and then I could manage the tyres, and I think that was crucial. Fantastic job by the team and we finally had some good momentum in that race.”
The next race on the calendar marks the only IndyCar round this year to be staged outside of the US, as the championship heads to Canada for a dash around the streets of Toronto on July 12-14.
RESULTS (TOP FIVE)
NTT IndyCar Series | Road America
1: Alexander Rossi (USA), 55 laps
2: Will Power (AUS), +28.439s
3: Josef Newgarden (USA), +31.844s
4: Graham Rahal (USA), +33.409s
5: Scott Dixon (NZL), +39.117s
6: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE), +41.782s
STANDINGS – OVERALL (TOP FIVE)
NTT IndyCar Series | After 10/17 races
1: Josef Newgarden (USA), 402 p.
2: Alexander Rossi (USA), 395 p.
3: Simon Pagenaud (FRA), 341 p.
4: Scott Dixon (NZL), 308 p.
5: Will Power (AUS), 294 p.
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10: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE), 209 p.
STANDINGS – ROOKIES (TOP FIVE)
NTT IndyCar Series | After 10/17 races
1: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE), 209 p.
2: Santino Ferrucci (USA), 204 p.
3: Colton Herta (USA), 183 p.
4: Marcus Ericsson (SWE), 183 p.
5: Patricio O’Ward (MEX), 115 p.