Rinus van Kalmthout takes first podium place in IndyCar series | Motorsport

sport">The race was won by Josef Newgarden. Alexander Rossi finished second before Van Kalmthout.

sport">Shortly after the start, Van Kalmthout briefly lost the lead to Colton Herta, but quickly regained it after a tough duel. After his first pit stop, he came back on track right in front of Herta, but had to acknowledge his superior in the game that followed.

sport">On lap 62, after getting new rubber and gasoline for the third time, found VeeKay returned to sixth place. In the final phase, he fought his way back to the podium.

sport">“This creates a lot of confidence,” said Van Kalmthout afterwards. “It was a tough race, but fortunately my last run was good. Very nice that I could still take some places. In my opinion a second place would have been possible, so I am not 100 percent satisfied, but of course I am happy with my first podium place. ”

Rookie

sport">Van Kalmthout is in his debut year in the IndyCar series. The 20-year-old Hoofddorper of Ed Carpenter Racing only drove his twelfth race at the highest level on Friday.

sport">It was the first time that the rookie was allowed to start from pole. Arie Luyendyk was the last Dutch person to do this 21 years ago.

sport">The IndyCar season will run for two more races. Also on Saturday, races will take place in Indianapolis, where the Indy 500 is held annually at the oval. The North Hollander was able to qualify fourth in August for that famous race. A failed pit stop broke him up in the race.

sport">Van Kalmthout has a good chance of winning the rookie classification this season. Newgarden battles Scott Dixon for the title. The latter has a lead of 40 points.

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