Hunter-Reay on Andretti's performance: 'It's scary but we're living it now'

The uncertain times for Andretti Autosport roll on.

After another lethargic performance at the Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis on Saturday, Andretti's drivers are running out of excuses. Especially as Graham Rahal turned in another second-place finish in as many races in a Honda.

"These are hard fought horrible results," said Marco Andretti after finishing in 16th place on Sunday.

The best Andretti driver in the Grand Prix was Ryan Hunter-Reay, who finished 11th. Carlos Munoz placed 13th.

Surely it would be nice for Andretti to consider this nothing more than a bad start to the season. It would be easy to say that the oval courses will bring better fortunes. But after five flat races, optimism is running out.

"We don't know where we stand yet on the oval," team owner Michael Andretti said. "Hopefully we're in better shape than we were on the road course."

Added 2014 Indianapolis 500 champion Hunter-Reay: "We only ran (the oval kit) for one day and we really don't know what to expect from them."

Gone is the Honda excuse, too. There's no doubt the car isn't up to par with Chevrolet, yet with Rahal's success, it has left Andretti drivers feeling equal parts hopeful and disgusted.

Rahal proved the car can be driven to success, but Andretti is far from finding a way to do so.

"It's frustrating," Michael Andretti said. "It's obvious that the Rahal team has figured it out on these tracks. No excuses. The car can do what Graham just did. We all have the same car."

It has gotten to the point that Marco Andretti is having trouble looking forward to racing on the road and street courses. Speed, or lack thereof, is breaking the worst of all barriers: the one that keeps a driver confident in their car.

Andretti drivers now turn their focus to qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 and learning how to improve there. Hunter-Reay notes this as the first step. If Andretti can get its drivers in the top half of the field, they can lessen their natural deficit.

"It's scary, but we're living it now," Hunter-Reay said. "It's a reality we need to make better."

Following another frustrating day on the track, Andretti's spirits were as low as they've been all season. But, as bad as things have become, May has the ability to erase it all. Hunter-Reay's Indy 500 victory last year serves as the best reminder.

For Andretti, that trek begins Monday. They'll study what Rahal has done and learn more about the oval kits. In doing so, perhaps these next two weeks will restore the absence of a victory that has been as elusive as it has been emotionally draining.

"I just need to look forward and look to the Indy 500," Marco Andretti said. "As bad as things are, we could be Indy 500 champs in a few weeks."

Follow Star reporter Blake Schuster on Twitter: @Schustee.