Filippi’s Solid Qualifying Run Discarded After Incident

Filippi’s Solid Qualifying Run Discarded After Incident

Topics: Luca Filippi, Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio

Filippi’s Solid Qualifying Run Discarded After Incident

Monica Hilton
Bryan Herta Autosport
August 3, 2013

Lexington, OH – Italian driver Luca Filippi will start Sunday’s Honda Indy 200 of Mid-Ohio in 24th place after an off halted his fourth-place qualifying run.

Filippi’s debut IndyCar weekend started strong with a fifth fastest time overall on the combined score sheets for all three practice sessions.

The 27-year-old was in group two for the first round of Firestone Fast Six qualifying. Heading into turn 12 on his first flying lap of the session, Filippi veered slightly off track and caught the wet grass, sending him into the tire barrier and causing a red flag.

The IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook states that if a driver causes a red flag during qualifying sessions, his/her two fastest laps will not be counted. Filippi’s fastest lap of 1:05.9847 would’ve earned him a P4 in the group and advancement to the second qualifying session.

“I made a mistake in the first in the first flying lap, causing a red flag,” said Filippi. “Then our two best lap times were not counted. Otherwise we would’ve been P4 for the session and able to go through to the second session.

“We were close to the guys on top and I had a great feeling, so it’s really a shame for the Barracuda Racing team. We’ve had a great weekend so we’ll keep working hard and aim for a good finish in the race tomorrow.”

Team co-owner Bryan Herta added, “Luca has done a great job so far this weekend, and unfortunately a very small mistake at the start of qualifying carried some very big consequences for our starting position. Fortunately, Mid Ohio is quite a long race. With some aggressive pit strategy and a solid day behind the wheel from Luca, tomorrow can still bring a great result. Certainly the pace is there.”

After the penalty, Filippi’s third-best lap time of 1:06.8757 puts him 24th on the starting grid for Sunday’s race.

The Honda Indy 200 of Mid-Ohio will take place on August 4. Pre-race activities for the 90-lap race around the 13-turn, 2.258-mile road course are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET with an estimated green flag at 3:40 p.m. The 14th race (of 19) on the IZOD IndyCar Series schedule will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network from 2-6 p.m.