Linus Lundqvist, a rookie in the 2024 IndyCar season, is thrilled to have access to the necessary resources at CGR. Lundqvist, who won the IndyNXT championship in 2022, faced difficulties securing a spot in the 2023 IndyCar season. However, he finally received the invitation to join Chip Ganassi Racing, one of the most prominent teams in the field. With CGR offering a wide range of comprehensive resources and a talented group of drivers to learn from, Lundqvist believes it is the ideal place for a skilled newcomer to shine.
Lundqvist expressed his gratitude to the team, stating: “I have everything I could need and more. The team has been exceptional, and the crew at the shop has worked incredibly hard.” He also acknowledged the significance of CGR expanding to a five-car operation, recognizing the long hours and overtime required to make it a reality. Lundqvist takes pride in being part of a team with five competitive cars.
As a rookie, Lundqvist values the opportunity to learn from experienced drivers like Scott Dixon and Alex Palou. He considers them living examples of success and finds immense value in studying their data, understanding their approach, and learning about their car preferences. Lundqvist believes this knowledge is invaluable as he navigates through his first season.
Last season, while searching for a seat, Lundqvist was called in as a substitute for Simon Pagenaud in three races. He saw these races as opportunities to showcase his skills and improve his chances of securing a permanent seat. In his debut in Nashville, Lundqvist had an impressive performance, consistently placing his car from Meyer Shank Racing in the top half of the grid. Although a late mistake in the race led to contact with the barriers, Lundqvist’s performance caught the attention of Chip Ganassi. The team owner later admitted that it was during this race that he realized Lundqvist was the right choice for his team.
Lundqvist is proud to have convinced Ganassi of his competence for a seat in one of his cars. He acknowledges the high expectations that come with joining a top team and is determined to fight for podiums and victories. Despite a setback in his first race with CGR, where he suffered damage to his rear wing due to a maneuver by Romain Grosjean, Lundqvist remains optimistic. With 17 races remaining, including a non-scoring round at Thermal Club, he has ample opportunities to showcase his skills and make his mark in the IndyCar season.
