David Malukas made the jump to IndyCar this season, and is one of six rookies in the series that are having to learn how to wrangle each track the series visits.
Perhaps no track is more important, and requires more innate knowledge, than the 2.5-mile oval in Indianapolis, and Malukas is glad to have veteran racer Takuma Sato as his team-mate as he gets up to speed.
Asked after the first day of Indy 500 practice how much he has learned from having Sato in his garage, the young driver was very clear.
“A lot, actually,” said Malukas. “I’ve watched many videos, and he keeps giving me tips and also giving me motivation.
“No, I wouldn’t want any other teammate, especially for my rookie year. Takuma has been very helpful.”
Sato is also enjoying his role as a mentor, and is more than happy to pass along the knowledge that he has gained through 20 years of racing.
He acknowledges that Dale Coyne Racing doesn’t have the depth of resources that a larger team like Andretti Autosport might, but he’s happy to do what he can in his role.
“David obviously has been great,” said Sato. “He obviously is a rookie driver, inexperienced at the 500, so we don’t have the luxury to have Scott like or Andretti for example.
“But at least I was there and knowing what needs to do, and then David is quickly up to speed, like he was top of the rookie [standings], as well.
“I’m very happy, happy we’re working together. We’re spreading the program and we’re trusting each other. So next few days will be extremely important.
“Every day is important, of course, and then let’s see how much we can pull out the speed. But in the race will be very different, so we need to study a lot.”
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