BREAKING: Alexander Rossi Crashes in Practice at Laguna Seca; Pato O’Ward Impresses with Fastest Lap
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, USA — In a dramatic turn at the Laguna Seca Raceway, Sunday evening’s headliner, Alexander Rossi, has found himself in a not-so-glamorous spotlight after crashing into the tire wall during the opening practice session of the 2025 Java House Grand Prix of Monterey. Rossi, who is renowned for his speed and agility, lost control of his car and was left speechless, as reported by RACER. This incident comes barely a month after Rossi’s catastrophic wall kiss at the Toronto race, casting a shadow over his latest attempt to reclaim his form and challenge reigning champion, Pato O’Ward, who set the fastest lap in the first practice session. While Rossi’s team scrambles for repairs, O’Ward continues to impress, leading the field and affirming his status as the one to beat at Laguna Seca.
Headline:
Rossi Dished Out a Taste of His Own Medicine, And Other Laguna Seca Practice Notes
Subheadings:
- Rossi’s Drama-Filled Return
- O’Ward Steams Ahead in Monterey
- Practice Highlights and Wrecks
- Q&A: What You Need to Know
Rossi’s Drama-Filled Return
Alexander Rossi, after a two-race hiatus following a Toronto wall kiss, returned to the IndyCar stage at Laguna Seca. The NAPA Auto Parts driver was left speechless again, but this time not due to podium finishes. Rossi’s return was marred by a tire wall collision in the opening practice session.
Did you know? Rossi’s had a love-hate relationship with the tire walls this season: two wall kisses, one in Detroit and now in Toronto.
O’Ward Steams Ahead in Monterey
While Rossi was catching up with the wall, Pato O’Ward was setting the pace. The reigning IndyCar championshiprunner-up led the first practice session at Laguna Seca, continuing his impressive form. O’Ward, with a fast lap of 1:10.6413, was 0.3131 seconds quicker than the field.
Pro Tips: Keep an eye on O’Ward. His strong performances this season indicate he’s a serious title contender.
Practice Highlights and Wrecks
Rossi wasn’t the only driver to kiss the tire barrier. Felix Rosenqvist had a heavy impact in the second practice session but walked away unharmed. The Swedish driver will likely sit out qualifying due to the damage.
The first practice also saw heavy rain, leading to some cautious driving. However, once conditions improved, drivers pounced, setting some competitive lap times.
Q&A: What You Need to Know
Q: Who’s leading the championship?
A: Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon currently leads the standings, with a 25-point advantage over Felix Rosenqvist.
Q: When is the race?
A: The 2022 Java House Grand Prix of Monterey takes place on Sunday, September 11. Green flag is at 2:30 PM ET.
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