LONG BEACH, Calif. — It’s only three races into the NTT IndyCar Series campaign, but Arrow McLaren driver Christian Lundgaard is flying under the radar.
Lundgaard finished third in Sunday’s 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach for his second consecutive podium. He is third in the standings after three races.
Sunday’s effort came after a crash during qualifying led to the team starting 12th on the ultra-tight street circuit.
“We went off strategy compared to what we expected most of the field to do,” said Lundgaard, who led 26 laps. “We were the first primary tire runner in the field. I think that showed that we had the pace, too, today. I think we made up a lot of pace on those pit cycles. The clean air, took advantage of the clear air.
“Really happy to reward the guys,” Lundgaard added. “Yeah, they had to bring a new car back into play, the old lady, as they called her. We took the car in qualifying yesterday. So for everybody to rebuild a car and put it out on track this morning, she ran effortless today. I’m extremely happy for everybody.”
Lundgaard knew entering his first season with McLaren that it was important to start the season fast.
“I was very vocal in the off-season that I wanted to get off to a strong start with Arrow McLaren. I think we’ve clearly done that,” he said. “I’ve never been higher in the championship than where I am now. We’ve done a good job.
“We started sort of conservative in St. Petersburg. I think today we showed what we really can be and where we’re supposed to be fighting. Two back-to-back podiums, unlike this guy (Alex Palou) who decides to either win or finish second in every race. But we’ll beat him someday, I hope.”
Leave a Reply