Nothing came easy this weekend for Fan Force United driver Armaan Ebrahim in round three of the Firestone Indy Lights Series Championship which went off on Sunday in Long Beach, California, USA. From another rain shortened practice session on Friday to mechanical issues on Sunday, Ebrahim worked his tail off to come in 12th after starting 13th.
“On Friday, I was actually very encouraged”, said Ebrahim commenting on his practice session Friday morning. “The car was solid and quite responsive compared to some of the issues we had in Alabama. Things really felt right for a good weekend.”
On Saturday, the JK Tyre #24 Dallara started out strong in qualifying. Through the first few laps, Armaan was running in the top 5. But times soon fell off as a number of full course and local yellows killed his momentum time after time. Qualifying wrapped up with time for only three laps after the final red flag. On cold tires, Armaan was never able to push the car to its potential.
On Sunday, things did not start out the way the team had hoped. In the first couple of laps, Ebrahim could be heard on the radio commenting on power seeming to be down on the engine. Following the race, after initial analysis by the engine manufacturer, it was determined that the motor had a cylinder with a bad coil wire which likely caused a decline in horsepower. Further testing will be done in the week ahead to assess the repair work needed. Ebrahim went on to finish the race in 12th position.
The team proceeded to nearby Fontana, CA where the Indian Rookie will have his first go at an oval track. Testing here on Tuesday will be to prepare for the running of the Freedom 100, the next event on the schedule in Indianapolis, IN on May 25.
