mission objective for Montoya since rejoining the series. Following a spirited early race battle with Sebastien Bourdais, Juan Pablo settled into something of a rhythm and was able to make headway into the field. Montoya was able to crack the top ten on merit and speed before falling to last place one lap down during the second pitstop rotation. The day ended well with him fighting back to a late race high P12 and finally crossing the finish line in an admiral 15th position.
The skill of driving on street circuits is a cornerstone of IndyCar racing and is a skill that has been very difficult for new drivers to the series to master However, the upcoming natural terrain road courses should go a long way in bolstering his confidence. Juan Pablo definitely has his work cut out for him but he is driving for one of the best teams in the paddock to take on this challenge with.
Montoya was clearly fighting the low-grip public roads that comprised the St. Petersburg circuit; the same type of low-grip surfaces that are a staple in the Verizon indycar Series. And something that Montoya will have to master very soon if he really wants to be the title contender that he has predicted being in 2014.
www.pitlanreporter.com
11