Ericsson finally breaks his IndyCar duck in Detroit

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After 37 starts in IndyCar, F1 veteran Marcus Ericsson won his first race in the series, snatching an unpredictable win in the closing stages of Saturday's eventful first round at Belle Isle in Detroit.

Ericsson seized the lead on pitlane at the end of a red flag period triggered by Romain Grosjean's crash six laps from the end of the race.

As the cars head back out on track to prepare for a restart, race leader Will Power remained stranded in his pit as the Penske driver's car refused to fire up.

Second-placed man Ericsson seized the opportunity and held off rivals Rinus Veekay and Pato O'Ward on the restart as the trio engaged in a three-lap mad dash to the checkered flag.

The Chips Ganassi Racing charger became the seventh different winner in the first seven races this season.

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The race had been marked earlier in the day by Arrow McLaren SP driver Felix Rosenqvist's massive and worrying crash into the tyre wall and concrete barrier at Belle Isle's Turn 6.

Ericsson's countryman was extricated from the wreck and transported to hospital where he remained under observation overnight but fortunately with no major trauma to his limbs after the head-on impact.

"I felt like it was about time we had some good luck, so I'll take it," said Ericsson after his triumph.

"Just had to finish it off with clean restart and clean laps. I think I did a really good restart, then just control it till the end.

"It's an amazing feeling. It's been a long time coming. I've been working very hard for this. The team has been working very hard, believing in me. It just feels great.

"Also Felix, I hear he's okay after that nasty crash. A good friend of mine. I'm glad to hear that and I hope that's still the case."

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Ericsson's last race win dated all the way back to 2013 and his days racing in GP2 with DAMS.

"To be able to get everything together, to win in IndyCar, I think it's one of the toughest things you can do," he added.

"You don't only need to be fast in IndyCar: you need to do all the things right, you need to have the team behind you, the pit stop strategy, setup. It's a tough series to win in."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.