Dale Coyne Racing teammates Mario Moraes and Bruno Junqueira have some work ahead of them as both drivers came up a little short during Saturday’s Firestone Fast Six qualifying session.  After showing strong promise, the two Brazilians qualified 19th and 24th for Sunday’s running of the Detroit Indy Grand Prix on the 2.906-mile street course at The Raceway at Belle Isle Park.

Junqueira showed great potential, as he was fourth fastest in the second qualifying group Saturday afternoon until he spun coming out of turn seven and sent the No. 18 Z-Line Designs car into the wall.  You cannot fault Junqueira for not giving his all as he was working on what would have been his fastest lap of the day when he pushed the car just a bit too hard coming out of turn seven. 

“It’s a tough break for the Z-Line Designs car,” said Junqueira.  “I pushed the car a little too much coming out of seven.  With a little luck and good race strategy we can fight our way up to the front and get a good result.”

He posted the second-fastest qualifying speed in his morning practice group and was eighth fastest overall. 

Junqueira makes his 120th career open-wheel start on Sunday.  This is his second career start at The Raceway at Belle Isle Park.  In 2001, the 31-year-old Brazilian started 2nd, but finished 19th in the race.

Moraes (No. 19 Sonny’s Bar-B-Q/Sun-Rich Gourmet) gave it his all in the first round of qualifying, but came up just short of advancing into the second round of qualifying.  The 19-year-old rookie settled for a 19th starting position in the 26-car field.  

Four laps into the morning practice session the front suspension on Moraes’ car broke, ending his practice session earlier than he would have like it.

“With the front suspension breaking during practice it didn’t allow me the chance to get the car setup for qualifying,” said Moraes.  “All we can do now is prepare for the race and try for another top 10 finish for the No. 19 Sonny’s Bar-B-Q/Sun-Rich Gourmet car.”

The IndyCar® Series will be back on the track Sunday, August 31 at 10:15 a.m. (EDT) for a final 30-minute practice session before the green flag drops at 3:45 p.m. (EDT).  The race can be seen live on ABC-TV starting at 3:30 p.m. (EDT).