Indy 500 – Tony Kanaan finally realizes his dream

Eleven years of battles and disappointments since 2002 and his first appearance on banking. Then the deliverance in 2013. We had to wait for Tony Kanaan?s 12th participation to see him finally achieve a victory at the Indianapolis 500, during an exceptionally competitive 97th edition at the head of the race. From the first laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Brazilian from KV Racing Technology was at the forefront, alongside Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Ed Carpenter and the impressive Carlos Munoz. During the 200 laps of the event, many drivers had the opportunity to shine this year on the new Dallara chassis. An impressive figure stands out: 68. This is the number of times the leader has changed, twice as many as the 34 last year, which was already a record! In all, more than fifteen drivers had the opportunity to lead this exceptional vintage for at least one lap.

Everything obviously came down to the final laps. As the drivers began their final stint, Graham Rahal hit the wall and caused the fourth neutralization of the race. There were then only 6 laps left. Ryan Hunter-Reay is in control when the safety car escapes and the green flag is waved for the final 7,5 miles of the event? At the restart Tony Kanaan gets the better of the champion Indycar Series 2012 and is closely followed by Carlos Munoz, who was one of the four rookies competing this year. But, further behind, Dario Franchitti loses control of his car and in turn hits the wall. The race is placed under Caution for the last time, and the places are frozen. Tony Kanaan completed the final two laps behind the safety car before letting his joy explain. “The last lap was the longest of my life,” he confessed on Victory Lane after covering himself with the milk of victory, which he had so dreamed of tasting in the past.

Among the French, the best performance is to be credited to simon pagenaud, who ranks second among Honda drivers in 8th position. For his first participation, Tristan Vautier finished 16th. Disappointment on the other hand for Sébastien Bourdais, the Dragon Racing driver retired when he lost control of his car in the pits during his final stint. An infuriating accident, when we know that he had just reached the top 10 after a convincing race. A final word about the ladies. Ana Beatriz finished 15th, Simona De Silvestro 17th and Katherine Legge 26th. Pippa Mann did not make it past a quarter of the race due to contact with the wall.

Discover the report and analysis of the 97th edition of the Indianapolis 500 by our special correspondent in the next issue of AUTOhebdo, n°1911, available in digital version on all platforms from Tuesday, and in all newsstands Wednesday.