2019 IndyCar series rookie of the year Felix Rosenqvist believes he can fight for the championship this season if he can just improve his oval track results.
On the five ovals contested last season, the Swedish racer’s best finish was 11th at the 1.25-mile World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway located just outside of St. Louis.
On the road courses, however, Rosenqvist was very competitive throughout the season.
He became particularly productive towards the end of the season, earning top-five finishes in each of the final four road courses of the year including two second place finishes at Mid-Ohio and Portland.
“We ended really well, especially on the road courses,” said Rosenqvist.
“I think the ovals are probably the easiest gain for me going into this year, where we can make a lot of improvements.
“We were starting to get really good momentum. I think something clicked in terms of how the tires work in the race, how to make them last longer in a stint.
“I think at the end of the season we were really at the level we need to be to fight for championships on the road courses.”
Rosenqvist used that late season form to secure the 2019 IndyCar Rookie of the Year award, narrowly beating out Colton Herta by five points.
This year Chip Ganassi Racing expands from two to three full time entries, meaning Rosenqvist will be partnered with fellow Swede Marcus Ericsson as well as five-time IndyCar series champion Scott Dixon.
The trio of team-mates are getting along well so far, with Rosenqvist revealing that “there’s a good feeling in the team.
“When you go to the shop, you can feel that there’s a good energy. You don’t feel that people are stressed in the same way.”
The 28-year-old has competed in many different series throughout his racing career including the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, Formula E, and the 24 Hours of LeMans.
This winter, however, he did not have any other racing duties once the IndyCar season was over in September and is ready to climb back behind the wheel.
“I haven’t been in a car since Laguna Seca; that’s the longest break I’ve had in my whole career. I haven’t been in a car at all. It’s been quiet for me.
“The fire is going strong and it will be good to be back for sure.”
The 2020 NTT IndyCar season begins in two weeks with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg from the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
