IndyCar – Pagenaud: “My title chances remain very high”

simon pagenaud Although he has displayed exemplary consistency with 12 finishes in the top five, his delay on Championship leader Josef Newgarden amounts to 34 points before the final in Sonoma (California) played on September 17. The reigning champion has only won one victory this year in Phoenix (Arizona) while his teammate has won four times.

Despite this delay, Simon Pagenaud remains optimistic to the extent that the points for the last event of the season will be doubled and that he won last year on the Californian road circuit.

“We had to put on a different show to make things more interesting and we did a completely different season, comments Simon Pagenaud. We have nothing to lose and this position is very pleasant. We have to be aggressive and go to the front to try to win the race. It's very easy to tackle this challenge without any pressure. The title will be decided by whoever makes the best decisions and, without wanting to be pretentious, I think I'm good at that. This is why I think my chances of winning the title remain very high. »

“It’s even harder to defend your title than to win it, adds Simon Pagenaud. I was in a wonderful situation last year with top-notch performances, but it's more complicated when you know the things that worked and hope they continue to work. In reality, you have to adapt to situations and this season has been very different for me without me knowing how to explain it. »

Simon Pagenaud still has some ideas to explain this change in the situation compared to 2016.

“There have been many winners this season, more than usual, underlines Poitevin. Some were luckier than others. Honda took a leap forward in performance compared to last year and that narrowed the gap between Chevy and Honda. More drivers were able to win. »

Seven drivers are still in a position to win the title at Sonoma, but it is the first four drivers in the Championship who have a real chance of being crowned. Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing) is Josef Newgarden's main rival, ahead of Helio Castroneves, another member of Team Penske.

“It’s fantastic for the show and the discipline, welcomes Simon Pagenaud. The product offered is phenomenal. I don't think it's the first time, but theIndyCar is one of the most attractive disciplines in the world today. »