Ilott “happy” after IndyCar qualifying debut but focused on improvement

NTT IndyCar Series rookie Callum Ilott isn’t exactly happy with qualifying 19th, but considering how the Brit ousted eight drivers in the # 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevy, there could be something of value.

“We didn’t do all the work in practice that we had, so we tried to keep the car more comfortable and in the window,” Ilott told RACER. “Overall, we should maybe be closer to the top 12, but we’re on the edge now and I can say that we did a good job in training from the start. I am satisfied with that. Certainly there is always room for improvement and that’s why we’ve tried these three races to build on where we are now. “

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Ilott will attempt to master pit stops, race starts and all kinds of IndyCar-specific procedures during Sunday’s 110-lap race.

“I don’t know what to expect for the race alone!” He said with a smile. “I think I will learn a lot and from my point of view I will understand what I have to do. Today there are three sessions and then tomorrow we’ll be racing … “

The IndyCar paddock has welcomed Ilott and has received a lot of support from Europe on social media.

“Of course I had a great year and a half in Formula 2 and would have loved to transfer this momentum to the F1 side for us,” said the Ferrari F1 test driver. “But that’s life. So it’s nice to have the welcome and the warm welcome here and the fans who are following our progress so far. And hopefully in the next few weeks I can have some good results for you and the Juncos Hollinger- Team answer. “