The highly anticipated NTT IndyCar Series season is kicking off with a bang at the iconic Streets of St. Petersburg circuit, and all eyes are on an extraordinary rookie performance. Robert Wickens has stunned the paddock by securing pole position for his sensational IndyCar debut, marking a truly remarkable start to his career in American open-wheel racing. Adding to the excitement, two other promising newcomers will line up right behind him on the second row, setting the stage for an electrifying season-opening race today.
Today on RaceFans Live: IndyCar Season-Opener at St. Petersburg
RaceFans will be providing comprehensive live coverage of today’s thrilling IndyCar race from the vibrant St. Petersburg street circuit, starting at 4pm UK time. The green flag is scheduled to drop at 4:36pm, promising an afternoon packed with high-speed action, strategic battles, and the unpredictable drama that only IndyCar can deliver. Don’t miss a single moment as the 2018 championship challenge gets underway.
The qualifying session for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg delivered an unexpected twist, as rookie sensation Robert Wickens, driving for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, brilliantly denied veteran Will Power his fourth consecutive pole position at this challenging track. Wickens’ performance has sent a clear message to the established grid: the new generation is here to compete. Moreover, the second row features two other series debutants, Matheus Leist from AJ Foyt Racing and Jordan King representing Ed Carpenter Racing, who will start directly behind Wickens and Power, indicating a strong influx of talent into the series. This unprecedented rookie presence at the sharp end of the grid highlights the competitive nature of the 2018 season right from the start. Below is the full starting grid for today’s race, showcasing the talent poised to fight for victory.
| Row 1 | 1. Robert Wickens 1’01.6643 Schmidt Peterson Motorsports |
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| 2. Will Power 1’01.7346 Team Penske |
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| Row 2 | 3. Matheus Leist 1’01.7631 AJ Foyt Racing |
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| 4. Jordan King 1’01.7633 Ed Carpenter Racing |
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| Row 3 | 5. Takuma Sato 1’01.8821 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing |
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| 6. Ryan Hunter-Reay 1’02.0385 Andretti Autosport |
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| Row 4 | 7. James Hinchcliffe 1’00.9986 Schmidt Peterson Motorsports |
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| 8. Gabby Chaves 1’01.1191 Harding Racing |
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| Row 5 | 9. Scott Dixon 1’01.6527 Chip Ganassi Racing |
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| 10. Tony Kanaan 1’01.7213 AJ Foyt Racing |
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| Row 6 | 11. Simon Pagenaud 1’04.6739 Team Penske |
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| 12. Alexander Rossi 1’07.0377 Andretti Autosport |
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| Row 7 | 13. Josef Newgarden 1’00.4320 Team Penske |
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| 14. Sebastien Bourdais 1’00.9587 Dale Coyne Racing |
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| Row 8 | 15. Zach Veach 1’00.4585 Andretti Autosport |
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| 16. Spencer Pigot 1’00.9668 Ed Carpenter Racing |
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| Row 9 | 17. Ed Jones 1’00.5009 Chip Ganassi Racing |
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| 18. Marco Andretti 1’01.3013 Andretti Autosport |
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| Row 10 | 19. Jack Harvey 1’01.0270 Michael Shank Racing with Schmidt Peterson |
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| 20. Max Chilton 1’01.3360 Carlin |
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| Row 11 | 21. Charlie Kimball 1’01.1868 Carlin |
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| 22. Zachary Claman Demelo 1’01.8567 Dale Coyne Racing |
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| Row 12 | 23. Rene Binder 1’01.7003 Juncos Racing |
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| 24. Graham Rahal 1’04.0990 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing |
The 2018 IndyCar season is poised to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with the introduction of the universal aero kit and a strong field of both veterans and rookies. Robert Wickens, a former DTM star, demonstrated exceptional pace and adaptability on the St. Petersburg street circuit, a track known for its unforgiving concrete barriers and challenging mix of high-speed sections and tight hairpins. His pole position is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the competitive potential of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. Will Power, a master of street circuits and a consistent front-runner, will be keen to convert his front-row start into a victory, leveraging his extensive experience at this venue. The battle between these two, along with the other hungry rookies Matheus Leist and Jordan King, guarantees an intense fight for the lead. Further down the grid, seasoned champions like Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, and Simon Pagenaud, despite their qualifying positions, possess the race craft and strategic acumen to climb through the field. The close lap times in qualifying suggest that the new universal aero kit has successfully leveled the playing field, setting up a race where strategy, pit stops, and minimizing mistakes will be paramount. Expect plenty of overtakes and potential yellow flags on this demanding urban circuit. For a deeper dive into what to expect from the season, be sure to read the comprehensive RaceFans IndyCar season preview:
- 2018 IndyCar Season Preview: Restyled IndyCar Must Do More Than Look Good in 2018
What They’re Saying
In a new feature providing exclusive insights directly from the paddock, we bring you firsthand accounts from drivers and key figures in Formula 1. Today, we turn our attention to Sergey Sirotkin, the Williams rookie, who shared his reflections on the final day of pre-season F1 testing, offering a glimpse into the demanding world of preparing for an F1 season.
I’m happy because today’s the last day of testing but it’s the best day of testing, so far. Which is also a little bit of a shame.
For sure we know the weather is not the best but it’s been the same for everybody. We could probably all do to learn a bit more than what we did in the two weeks of testing being here.
But it was, I would say fairly, the second proper day I’ve been in the car: 105 laps, [Lance] Stroll did a half-day, we also tested many interesting things and got interesting results on different fuel loads, compounds and so on. So it was quite a productive day.
It’s really good to end up like this but we also hoped that we’d get seven more days like what we had today.
Sirotkin’s comments highlight the perennial challenge of pre-season testing: balancing optimism with the reality of limited track time. While pleased with the productivity of the final day, logging an impressive 105 laps and exploring various setups, he also acknowledged the collective desire for more testing, particularly given the variable weather conditions that affected much of the two weeks in Barcelona. For a rookie like Sirotkin, every lap is invaluable for understanding the car, adapting to F1’s demands, and building confidence. His sentiment reflects the high stakes involved in F1 development, where every data point and every hour on track contributes significantly to a team’s championship aspirations. Despite the weather interruptions, the team managed to gather crucial data on different fuel loads and tire compounds, which will be vital as they prepare for the opening race of the season.
Links
Your essential daily digest of F1 news, insightful views, in-depth features, and more from a curated selection of hundreds of top motorsports sites across the web:
Tech insight: Have Ferrari cancelled out a Mercedes advantage? (F1)
“Although last year’s two title contenders have remained faithful to their respective low- and high-rake concepts (essentially the angle of the floor of the car in relation to the track), there has been some design convergence in that Ferrari have significantly increased the wheelbase of their 2018 car. In fact, the Ferrari SF71H and Mercedes W09 now share a near-identical wheelbase at just under 370cm.” This technical analysis delves into the subtle yet significant design philosophy shifts among the top F1 teams. Ferrari’s decision to increase the wheelbase of their SF71H to nearly match Mercedes’ W09 is a fascinating development, potentially indicating a move towards optimizing aerodynamic efficiency and tire management, areas where Mercedes has historically excelled. The high-rake and low-rake concepts, fundamental to how a car generates downforce, are being evolved, suggesting that teams are finding new ways to exploit the regulations and narrow the performance gaps. A longer wheelbase can offer greater stability and a more consistent aero platform, crucial for performance on various circuit types, and could be a game-changer in the championship battle.
Red Bull creates new technical director role (Autosport)
“Adrian remains CTO, Pierre has moved into a central role as technical director, and Rob Marshall’s position remains unchanged as chief engineering officer.” This organizational restructuring within Red Bull Racing signifies a strategic move to optimize their technical leadership and development process. While Adrian Newey continues in his overarching role as Chief Technical Officer, the appointment of a dedicated Technical Director indicates a desire to streamline day-to-day technical operations and project management. This distribution of responsibilities is common among top F1 teams, allowing Newey to focus on conceptual design and innovation, while the Technical Director ensures effective execution and integration of various departments. It’s a clear signal of Red Bull’s ambition to challenge for championship titles and enhance their car development capabilities.
What does Haas’ U.S. base actually do? (Racer)
“The car that we’re running now is actually – in development terms – nearly three months old. And that makes a big difference in this world, so now we’re thinking, how are we going to get the next lot on?” This insight into Haas F1 Team’s unique operational model sheds light on the challenges and strategies of a relatively new team in Formula 1. Operating primarily from a U.S. base while collaborating extensively with Dallara in Italy for chassis manufacturing and Ferrari for power units and other components, Haas faces distinct logistical and developmental hurdles. The quote highlights the relentless pace of F1 development, where a car’s design can become “old” very quickly. It underscores the critical importance of a robust upgrade pipeline to remain competitive throughout the season. Haas’s success has often been attributed to its lean structure and strategic partnerships, but maintaining this competitive edge requires constant innovation and efficient delivery of performance updates.
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Snapshot
A striking image captured at the Circuit of the Americas last week featured the magnificent Ferrari 412 T2, showcasing one of the Scuderia’s iconic cars in action. This particular model holds a special place in F1 history as the last V12-engined Ferrari to compete in the sport, driven by the legendary Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger. Its appearance is a nostalgic reminder of an era of exhilarating engine sounds and classic F1 design, celebrating Ferrari’s rich heritage and engineering prowess.
Social Media
Notable posts from Twitter, Instagram, and other social platforms offer a behind-the-scenes look at the world of F1 and motorsports, connecting fans directly with their heroes:
Merci à tous les fans français (et autres) qui sont venus lors de ses essais hivernaux#r8g pic.twitter.com/sJqcfpUT2k
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) March 9, 2018
Romain Grosjean’s heartfelt tweet, expressing gratitude to his French fans (and others) who attended the winter tests, underscores the strong connection between drivers and their supporters. These interactions are a vital part of the F1 experience, even during the less glamorous testing sessions, and highlight the global appeal of the sport.
- For more official F1 accounts to follow and stay updated, explore the comprehensive F1 Twitter Directory
Comment of the Day
The Halo safety device continues to spark debate and discussion among fans and experts alike. A common question echoing through the community is: Are you used to it yet?
I never really even notice the Halo anymore especially in the images that have been taken from a longer distance, i.e., further away from the cars.
Jere (@Jerejj)
This sentiment from Jere (@Jerejj) reflects a growing acceptance of the Halo, suggesting that for many viewers, its visual impact has diminished over time. Initially a contentious addition, the device, designed to significantly enhance driver head protection, seems to be gradually integrating into the visual landscape of Formula 1 cars. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if this trend of normalization continues.
From the Forum
Join the lively discussions on the RaceFans forum, where passionate fans delve into the biggest topics in motorsports:
- Now we’ve seen the McLaren in action, what are Alonso’s chances of winning in F1 and WEC this year?
Fernando Alonso’s ambitious dual campaign in Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship has ignited considerable debate. With the McLaren’s performance in testing now under scrutiny, the forum is buzzing with predictions and analyses regarding Alonso’s prospects of achieving unprecedented success across both prestigious series. Can he truly conquer two worlds in one season?
Happy Birthday!
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On This Day in F1
- Born today in 1943: Arturo Merzario
Celebrating a significant date in Formula 1 history, today marks the birthday of Arturo Merzario. Born in 1943, the Italian racing driver competed in 85 Formula 1 Grand Prix races between 1972 and 1979 for teams including Ferrari, Williams, and his own Merzario team. Known for his distinctive cowboy hat and charismatic personality, Merzario was a tenacious competitor, and he is perhaps best remembered for his heroic actions in rescuing Niki Lauda from his burning Ferrari at the 1976 German Grand Prix. His legacy as a brave and spirited figure in F1 continues to be cherished.