Felix Rosenqvist put in an excellent performance during his first Verizon IndyCar Series test with Chip Ganassi Racing, turning 93 laps during the morning session around the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Thursday.
The 2015 FIA European Formula 3 Champion and a multiple race winner in Indy Lights this year felt the session went well for him, and was delighted to drive such a great car as the CGR Dallara-Chevrolet before handing it back to regular driver Scott Dixon in the afternoon.
“It’s the quickest car I’ve ever driven with the most downforce,” said Rosenqvist to Racer.com. “It’s very grippy and physical. Ganassi have a great car and everything is done in a very professional way so you can just concentrate on driving. It’s been really good to work with their team.”
“I haven’t seen any official times, but we were not far away in terms of speed. The first step was to make sure I was comfortable in the car, and then the next step was to push.
“For a first day in a new car on a new track, it went very well. It wears you out a little bit; your neck most of all. I spoke with [Chip Ganassi Racing’s] Tony Kanaan, and he said it’s the worst place for physical demands. You feel it after getting out of the car, but it’s this way for every driver.”
Rosenqvist feels this test has put him on the radar for a potential drive in IndyCar in the future, and was delighted to finally get his first opportunity to test a car in one of the highest levels of single seater racing.
“I think it’s every driver’s dream to be in one of these cars for a living,” added Rosenqvist. “It’s quite early in the silly season, and I have some talks in Europe, but now I know this team and put my name on the IndyCar radar.
“I’ve been a formula driver for some time now and I’ve never had a chance to drive something in Formula 1 or IndyCar, and it’s really cool to do this and know that I can be fast. Hopefully the test today can help me somehow.”
