Linus Lundqvist is making his long-awaited IndyCar Series debut this weekend around the streets of Nashville, filling in for Simon Pagenaud, who has not yet been cleared to race after his crash at Mid-Ohio.
The 2022 Indy NXT champion has been searching for a ride in the top level series ever since he won the title in September, but a combination of factors have meant that he has been sitting in the paddock as opposed to behind the wheel.
Lundqvist’s chance to show his talent in the big leagues has come this weekend with Meyer Shank Racing, and he is aiming to make the most of the opportunity around the tricky street course.
MotorsportWeek.com asked the 24-year-old if his performance this weekend will be a factor in his prospects for finding a full time ride next season, and he was quick to confirm how much is at stake.
“Oh yeah, 100 percent,” said Lundqvist. “Every time you get on track, even if it’s just a private test, I know the other teams are looking and talking between themselves.
“To be put on display like this is definitely an opportunity to improve my chances. Or make them worse, let’s put it that way.
“I am aware there’s some pressure to perform this weekend, but I would also tell myself that it is the most difficult thing you’ll do. ‘Just take it easy, be smart.’
“I’m fairly comfortable that I know I’m fast, but it’s just going to be about putting together a good weekend and a solid weekend.
“[Throughout the year] I was talking to all the teams up and down the pit lane, trying to have some opportunities. Nothing was confirmed, or nothing at least that I knew of, were in the talks about doing it. When this happened, I was very excited.”
Lundqvist won his Indy NXT title in September of last year, and it has been nearly 11 full months since he has competed in a race weekend.
He has been a part of a couple IndyCar tests since then to help get acclimated to the more powerful cars, including one at Sebring that he revealed prepared him as well as possible for his debut on the streets of Nashville, given that there is no opportunity to test on a temporary course.
But Lundqvist is having to prepare mentally for competition again, and he admitted that it feels like he has been out of the car for even longer than the reality of his nearly year-long break.
“[It feels like it’s been] even longer than 10-11 months, I’ll tell you that” continued Lundqvist. “It’s been a very, very long season, and a lot of sleepless nights.
“It’s been something that we’ve been working very, very hard and very long for. Very happy that it finally got done. I’m making my debut, and hopefully it’s more than one race and we can string together a couple more at the end of the year.
“Still the focus is to be on the grid full time in ’24. Hopefully we can do a good job this weekend, and maybe my chances will improve.”
At this time, Lundqvist does not have any further confirmed races after this weekend’s Music City Grand Prix.
He is sure to be a part of the silly season talks, however, as many different teams have unconfirmed lineups for their 2024 seasons.
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