Photo by Kyle McInnes

Maybe a new team is exactly what Felix Rosenqvist needed, The Swedish driver lead the new format first practice for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg this afternoon with a time of 1:00.3390. Pato O’Ward was 0.4722 seconds behind Rosenqvist, and Marcus Armstrong ended the day third, anothet0.007 seconds back.

The new practice session format accomplished its goal of creating more on track action during a session that usually has some dead periods.

Will Power, who was fourth, said he liked the new format. “It has a similar flow to qualifying. It’s been very difficult in the past to get a run in.” He also noted that turn 3 is a lot smoother this year.

Rosenqvist said the transition to Meyer Shank Racing has been “super easy.” He is Impressed with how the team is working.

Marcus Armstrong’s third place run was impressive. He ran just 12 races last year, and he will do the entire 2024 schedule. I think he may be a surprise top 10 contender all season.

Photo by Kyle McInnes

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