Alex Palou Triumphs Over Felix Rosenqvist in Long Beach IndyCar Victory
Alex Palou delivered a commanding performance at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver crossed the line 4.198 seconds clear of Felix Rosenqvist.
In a headline-worthy result, Alex Palou Triumphs Over Felix Rosenqvist in Long Beach IndyCar Victory by executing a perfect late pit sequence. Palou used his crew work to move ahead during the final stops.
Race recap
Felix Rosenqvist started from pole in the #60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda. He led early and controlled much of the opening stint.
Palou jumped into second place on the lap after the start by passing Pato O’Ward. The battle at the front settled into a strategic fight between tyre compounds.
Strategy and pit stops
Josef Newgarden began an aggressive three-stop plan, pitting from 12th on Lap 12. He briefly inherited the race lead after the first pit rotation.
The leaders cycled through pit stops around Lap 32 to Lap 33. Rosenqvist beat Palou out of pit lane on that sequence, but later Palou exited faster on the Lap 60 stop.
The decisive move came on the final pit sequence. Palou’s crew gained the advantage and he pulled away after the late restart.
Key incidents
Marcus Ericsson suffered a hybrid issue and retired after stopping on Lap 44. Christian Lundgaard pitted with a tyre problem.
A debris caution on Lap 58 neutralised the race and prompted the pivotal Lap 60 stops. Will Power received a drive-through penalty for contact with a pit crew member.
Top finishers and notes
- 1st: Alex Palou — #10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. First win at Long Beach.
- 2nd: Felix Rosenqvist — Meyer Shank Racing Honda. Started from pole.
- 3rd: Scott Dixon — Chip Ganassi Racing. Helped make it a Honda podium sweep.
- 4th: Kyle Kirkwood — Andretti Global.
- 5th: Pato O’Ward — #5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. Started second.
- 6th: Scott McLaughlin — Team Penske.
- 7th: David Malukas.
- 8th: Graham Rahal — Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
- 9th: Alexander Rossi — Ed Carpenter Racing. Climbed from 18th on the grid.
- 10th: Kyffin Simpson — Chip Ganassi Racing.
Palou extended his advantage to more than five seconds in the closing stages. He held a 5.5-second margin with ten laps remaining.
Filmogaz.com covered the event and will follow up with analysis and reaction. More detailed breakdowns are coming soon.
