Steady P5 at Barber
Alexander Rossi put in another strong performance with a fifth-place finish at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama this weekend. Quickly making up three spots from a P8 qualifying position, Rossi stayed up front with the leaders throughout the entire race.
But tires were the question of the day and a variety of strategies were in play amongst the IndyCar field of 24. And with just one full-course caution, it was tough to make big moves to the front.
“The (Firestone) Red tires were definitely a step better,” said Rossi, “It's just disappointing that we really didn’t find this out until the race, but that is a topic for another day."
After gathering valuable championship points, Rossi remains fourth in the standings with his eyes set on defending his victory on the streets of Long Beach next weekend.
"It was a good job by the No. 27 NAPA Andretti Honda boys and we will take the top five,” said Rossi. "We are still looking for a podium but we are sure it is around the corner. We started eighth, finished fifth. We didn’t really have a car to fight for the win, which was disappointing. We need to get our game together and regroup for Long Beach next weekend.”
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Takuma Sato won the race, making him the third different winner in the three races this season, each from a different team. The next NTT IndyCar Series race is the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday, April 14. Race coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
