A 24-year-old Swedish native, Lundqvist transferred into the 20-lap, two-segment essential occasion that had a $500,000 prize on the road after a simple drive – beginning and ending fourth – within the second warmth race.
Lundqvist, the 2022 Indy NXT champion, out-lasted fellow first 12 months drivers comparable to Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) team-mate Kyffin Simpson, 2023 Indy NXT titlist Christian Rasmussen (Ed Carpenter Racing) and present Indy NXT full-timer Nolan Siegel, who was making his first-ever look in an IndyCar occasion. Moreover, although, he was among the many three – of 5 – CGR drivers to switch into the primary occasion, with the noticeable omission being six-time sequence champion Scott Dixon. Colin Braun (Dale Coyne Racing) and Tom Blomqvist (Meyer Shank Racing) had been additionally among the many checklist of rookies.
Though the primary 10 laps of the ultimate noticed Lundqvist keep sixth and never problem in an effort to preserve tire degradation, the second half noticed him within the mixture of a number of battles in opposition to the likes of Colton Herta (Andretti World), Josef Newgarden (Crew Penske) and Alexander Rossi (Arrow McLaren).
Ultimately, Lundqvist couldn’t fend of Herta, however did maintain agency in opposition to a late dive by Rossi and forward of Newgarden en path to accumulating a sixth-place end, straight behind team-mate Marcus Armstrong, the 2023 IndyCar Rookie of the Yr, within the operating order.
Race Begin, Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Marcus Armstrong, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda, Linus Lundqvist, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Tom Blomqvist, Meyer Shank Racing Honda, Patricio O’Ward, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, Callum Ilott, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, Alexander Rossi, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet
Photograph by: Josh Tons / Motorsport Photos
“Yeah, it was an fascinating format,” stated Lundqvist, who got here in with solely 4 IndyCar begins, together with three final 12 months with Meyer Shank Racing.
“Clearly, with 10 laps and cease after which 10 laps once more, I believe you noticed some totally different methods happening as effectively; large tire saving within the first half to have it within the second half. We had been on the path finish of that, not likely committing to both. So, I believe that is the place we had been tempo clever this weekend as effectively. Comfortable. Nice expertise for me as a rookie.”
A fair larger profit for Lundqvist than Sunday’s race was the 9 hours of testing the preceded it on Friday and Saturday.
“I am nonetheless getting comfy with the automotive, the group and getting used to IndyCar racing, usually,” he stated. “So, having two full take a look at days, qualifying session and principally, two brief races, it has been good for us.”
Making an attempt one thing totally different
On the subject of his ideas on the occasion, Lundqvist was complimentary of IndyCar trying one thing totally different.
“I get pleasure from that IndyCar is taking some possibilities,” he stated. “Having this non factors race gave them the platform to strive a bunch of issues and see variations. I believe we are able to positively look over the ultimate stint, splitting the ten laps and 10 laps, as a result of I believe it was somewhat bit awkward for the individuals watching as effectively.”
And with recognizing how the opening 10 laps of the occasion was extra of a follow-the-leader in a slowed tempo ordeal, Lundqvist believes there’s something to tweak with it however emphasised the significance of tire administration and degradation.
“The primary half was tough as a result of individuals – myself included – had been operating eight to 10 seconds off the tempo simply to avoid wasting tires for the final bit,” he stated.
“We are able to have a take into consideration what we are able to do to alter that, however in any other case I just like the brief race format. Clearly, the begins are at all times thrilling, so once you bunch everyone collectively and particularly, I believe what helps racing usually is increased tire deg, which we had right here, and possibly one thing much more so we are able to begin to have a look at.
“An important instance of excellent racing was the NASCAR race at Bristol a few weeks in the past the place you see what tire deg and tire administration can do. However I am completely satisfied that IndyCar tried stuff.”
