IndyCar – Pagenaud moved by the path traveled

simon pagenaud achieved the dream goal he had by returning to run in America. The Team Penske driver won his first title in IndyCar, nine years after the last coronation of his compatriot Sébastien Bourdais, after dominating the race in Sonoma (California) by finishing 127 points ahead of his teammate Will Power who was plagued by gearbox problems.

" It's incredible ! I think I will realize tomorrow, exclaimed Simon Pagenaud after the race where he remained in the lead for 76 laps out of the 85 of the event. I am so affected. My entire career has been about reaching this moment, for this day, and reaching this level. »

Simon Pagenaud had already come close to his dream by taking second place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2011 with Peugeot while he was riding with his compatriot Sébastien Bourdais and Pedro Lamy.

« I look back on my long career, admitted Poitevin. I started competing at seven years old and I've done a lot of things. I remember my first race in France in karting. It was raining and I had my visor open because I didn't have the right helmet. I have a photo of this at home. The journey I’ve come since then is incredible. »

Simon Pagenaud's victory and title won at Sonoma were a magnificent conclusion to the season for Roger Penske, the founder of the team of the same name which is celebrating this year the 50th anniversary of its structure in competition.

“Each title is better than the last, rejoiced The Captain, whose team obtained its 14th title. I'm going to do this as long as I can go to the circuits. We must not only congratulate Simon but the entire team who achieved brilliant results with five victories and seven poles by dominating the discipline as he did. He needed a season to understand how the team worked but we knew he had the speed and ability to succeed. We bet on the right horse and we will keep him for a long time. »

Sonoma Grand Prix Results

IndyCar Driver Rankings

Discover the report of the IndyCar in Sonoma in issue 2081 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.