Saturday’s qualifying at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a great one for IndyCar newcomer PREMA and its rookie driver Robert Shwartzman.
The Israeli driver was fourth one to take to the track and completed his four-lap run at an average speed of 232.534 MPH.
Even Shwartzman was a bit surprised at the speed, as it was over 1.2 MPH faster than his simulated qualifying runs the day before.
His single qualifying attempt was good enough to lock him into the Top 12 shootout on Sunday, and Shwartzman was quite pleased speaking at the end of the day.
“I honestly did not expect it to go that well,” said the rookie. “We were gradually improving the car step by step. To have such a good run this morning, I was like, ‘Okay, this car is really fast.’
“Obviously was really tricky, as I said already before. It’s the toughest I think qualifying of my career. Four laps consecutive, focus, one slight mistake and you’re done.
“We’re going to Top 12. I think it’s also a good thing it’s the first one of the team. We finally got a top 12, it’s here in Indy. Quite a legendary moment for us.
“The team did a really good job with engineering and mechanics. Everything was step by step without rushing things, making sure everything is right. I think that’s where it paid off.
“Yeah, today it just showed the car is really there. Obviously we still need to do some work to catch the top guys. I want to believe that we can battle for the top six tomorrow.”
Shwartzman was one of only four drivers to not venture out on track a second time, his initial run good enough to satisfy the challenge of the day.
PREMA’s other driver Callum Ilott went on track twice and locked in the 23rd starting position with his effort.
There is one more day of qualifying to go, and Shwartzman will complete at least one more run on Sunday to determine where within the first four rows he will start for his first Indy 500.
