A week ago, Marcus Ericsson lost the Indycar championship lead after finishing eleventh at the Indianapolis racetrack.

In the same place, but on the oval track, two months earlier he won the Indy 500 and for the first time went to the top of the championship - which has been won by a Swede once, Kenny Bräck in 1998.

But since June 10, he hasn't qualified for the top eight once - and last night, the qualification for the fourth-last race was decided, amid flashes and thunder on the streets of Nashville.

Ericsson had to settle for 18th place.

Ten places up is the main competitor Power.

- We need to try to come up with a good strategy to move up.

There have been a lot of incidents so far like last year, so I think there will be opportunities.

We lack a little too much speed now.

It's a bit strange, says Ericsson after the qualification to NBC.

Won last year's race

However, the 31-year-old has good memories from last year, which can help.

Just like this year, he started 18th, and won despite his car blowing up and being damaged early in the race.

- If anyone can fight from the back to the front... maybe it's us.

We have to fight when we can and try to do something smart.

So many points are there to overtake

During this year's season, Ericsson has consistently delivered strong races, and has often been in the top six.

However, he has only one victory and no pole position.

And the more important the weekends have become towards the end, the more difficult it has been for Ericsson to qualify high up.

It's something that could come at a cost in the fight for the title, which is currently super tight.

- I've had problems all weekend, we lack a little too much speed now.

It's a bit strange, we have a lot of work to do.

Ericsson's strength lies in the driving during the race, and there are still a lot of points to overtake, first in tonight's race.

A driver can collect a maximum of 54 points per weekend, and a win gives 51 points (50 for the win and one point for leading a lap).

Right now, there are six drivers within 62 points.

Swede Felix Rosenqvist also had a tough qualification, and gets to start the race from