IMSA – Helio Castroneves: “I did everything I could”

Big news from the Prototypes peloton on the occasion of the launch of the 2018 season of theIMSA at the 24 Hours of Daytona (Florida), the Acura ARX-05 operated by Acura Team Penske almost claimed a first career pole position yesterday after qualifying.

Exemplary n°7 driven for the occasion by Helio Castroneves, associated with Graham Rahal and Ricky Taylor, failed seven thousandths of the benchmark set by Renger van der Zande in the No. 10 – Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac DPi-VR.

The Brazilian, star until last year of IndyCar Series, confirmed his peak speed and the good dispositions of the DPi Penske and believes he has nothing to reproach himself despite the tiny gap which separates him from the champion car in 2017. « I did everything I could, comments Castroneves.

Unfortunately, I was beaten by 0″007. There was nothing that could be done about it. It's good though. We looked very strong. The guys are going to have to fix a few things on the car because I really pushed hard.

We start from the first row, which is a good thing. It's a good start for our team. We still have a lot to learn, but we are really happy for Acura Team Penske. We have worked hard to get to this point and we still have a few more tests to refine our preparation for Saturday. »

The second ARX-05, entrusted to simon pagenaud, Juan Pablo Montoya and Dane Cameron will start from 10th place tomorrow at the start of the Florida double clock.