By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
In his first start in the NTT IndyCar Series on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Felix Rosenqvist had the chance to win the race, butultimately lost the race on pit road.
Rosenqvist started the race from the third position; however,when the green flag unfurled, the rookie driver worked his way to the secondposition by passing Josef Newgarden going into the first turn.
By that point, his eyes were set on passing Will Power forthe race lead. While the field was in the process of green flag pit stops, Rosenqvist led laps; however, after the field cycled through, he still had topass Power. Luckily, the caution flew due to an issue with Ryan Hunter-Reay onLap 19.
When the race returned to green flag conditions, Rosenqvist garneredthe race lead from Power. He was able to lead the race until the next round ofgreen flag pit stops. When he hit pit road, Power was able to beat Rosenqvist as he was reentering the racing line from pit road.
Once losing the lead, Rosenqvist was unable to return to thecat bird seat. Despite losing the race on the pit lane, the rookie driverenjoyed his IndyCar debut.
“It was fantastic,” Rosenqvist stated. “I qualified thirdand finished fourth. We led the race a couple of times. I think that showed ourcar had a good package. I think I have a lot to learn still, but this is agreat starting point.”
The only thing that surprised Rosenqvist during the eventwas its length.
He was the highest finishing rookie in the event.