After last year's victory in the classic Indy 500, Marcus has become one of the sport's big stars.
The fans flock around the 32-year-old from Kumla, who has his sights set on winning the championship.
To succeed, Ericsson must get better at qualifying.
This has so far been the Swede's Achilles heel
- The Ganassi team has worked hard to make the tires last.
If we can do this, we will be hard to beat this weekend, continues Marcus, who was 0.45 sec behind teammate Scott Dixon, New Zealand in 13th place.
Felix Rosenqvist also saved tires in the initial practice in the heat in Florida and was 15th, 0.49 sec behind.
Got another chance in the series
- This was our worst track last year, but I think it was a good start, says Felix.
Rosenqvist, just like Ericsson, is doing his fifth season in the series.
He got a new chance in hard-hitting Arrow McLaren, which this year runs with a three-car team.
Former Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi has been added.
- Three cars are a must for us to be able to challenge Ganassi and Penske.
The qualifier runs at 20.15 tonight Swedish time.
27 cars will start in the premiere.