Christian Lundgaard believes the bye week following a pitstop miscue that took away a attainable victory was a possibility to deliver the staff nearer collectively.
The 24-year-old Dane was within the combat for victory within the earlier spherical at Barber Motorsports Park, however was left settling for second to rival Alex Palou after struggling a delay with the right-rear tire on his last pit cease.
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The error took away a positive likelihood at Lundgaard’s second profession victory, and first since becoming a member of Arrow McLaren forward of the 2025 season. Regardless, he nonetheless sits third within the total championship standings courtesy of two podiums by the opening 4 rounds, with this weekend’s Acura Grand Prix of Lengthy Seaside, a spot he completed third a 12 months in the past, on the horizon.
“Yeah, I believe we’re in a really related place to what we have been final 12 months at this level of the season on the finish of the day,” mentioned Lundgaard, throughout an IndyCar media name on Tuesday afternoon.
“We had begin to the season final 12 months. We have been on the rostrum for 3 out of the primary 4 races. This 12 months was two out of the primary 4. “Clearly the scenario in Barber is what it’s. On the finish of the day I believe it’s a good factor that we have now a break afterwards for all of us to type of unite and simply discuss it by.”
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Christian Lundgaard, Arrow McLaren, Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing, Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
Christian Lundgaard, Arrow McLaren, Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing, Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
Regardless of being fourth and ninth in practices one and two, respectively, earlier than qualifying tenth at Barber Motorsports Park, Lundgaard by no means apparently felt his #7 Chevrolet was within the combine to combat for the win previous to race day.
“The entire weekend I personally did not see the efficiency that we had on Sunday ever taking place,” Lundgaard mentioned.
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“There was no indication from my very own perspective and the data and the information that we had that was indicating we have been going to be so sturdy on Sunday. I believe it caught us all a little bit bit abruptly being in that place, even combating Alex for the win. Nothing that I ever dreamt of on Saturday evening. It wasn’t actually a thought that ever popped into my head.
“I believe we have been taking a look at only a strong race, perhaps knocking on the door for a podium, perhaps a prime 5 on the time. We go on the market the primary stint, so aggressive. The mindset modified so quick to, ‘Let’s get one of the best day we will right here.’ “All people needed to be quick on that final cease, proper? We needed to get that win. On the finish of the day it’s tremendous irritating. We nearly threw away a second place as a result of we had Graham (Rahal) cleared very simply.”
As a substitute of being distraught over the end result, Lundgaard is selecting to have a look at the positives and hope the teachings might be utilized transferring ahead.
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“I believe that’s the lesson to be discovered: take that additional little time to ensure every part is on,” he mentioned.
“As soon as the automotive drops, it’s a a lot larger penalty. I believe that is what we noticed as a result of we ended up getting out behind Graham. If we might have spent a second extra ensuring the tire was on… Once more, no indications the tire wasn’t on. An enormous miscommunication on the time. It’s totally unlucky.
“I do not blame anybody. We lose and we win as a staff. Final 12 months in Lengthy Seaside I put the automotive within the wall, needed to change a automotive, they usually did an outstanding job, and we repaid them Sunday by placing the automotive on the rostrum. That is the form of staff I’ve behind me. There is not any onerous emotions. We’re all going to maneuver on and get higher from right here.”
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