The American kid from Connecticut with an Italian name who normally races in Europe says he’s thoroughly enjoying a chance to drive on home soil in the Verizon IndyCar Series. Dale Coyne Racing rookie Santino Ferrucci, who was signed to pilot the No. 19 Honda for the Dual in Detroit alongside Sebastien Bourdais, showed his potential on Friday after placing 18th on the speed charts.

The Haas F1 development driver, who competes full-time in the F2 feeder series, defied expectations by putting five drivers behind him while learning a brand-new car on a brand-new track. Directly behind Chip Ganassi Racing’s Ed Jones and one spot ahead of Harding Racing’s Gabby Chaves, the IndyCar newcomer took solace from being in the general vicinity of Bourdais, who posted the 11th-fastest lap of the day.