IndyCar – Simon Pagenaud aims higher

Winner in Detroit and Baltimore in 2013, simon pagenaud wants to go even higher in 2014. Having just finished the 24 hours of Daytona, the Frenchman spoke about this new season to come on the American tracks. “I had 24 hours to work on my riding, work on my skills. I really enjoyed driving the HPD-Prototype. It was a great way to kick off the season and a great time. » explains Pagenaud. “The twin-turbo engine (in Indy) changes a lot of things, so it is important to test it and also to tune it for everyone. It has a different behavior and it is important to try to understand how to extract the best from this engine and make it work 100%. The work we have done so far is very encouraging. At Sebring last week we worked mainly on handling. Sometimes you want to focus on your driving instead of making lots of technical changes. The tests are there to try to make the car comfortable, to make it as fast as possible so that you can concentrate on your driving when it is time to be at your best. »

For 2014, Pagenaud hopes to be able to play the leading roles and knows that his team is giving everything to achieve this objective. “I proved I can do it, but I want to go even further. People don't see all the work my guys do. I can tell you they are working hard to make this car a championship contender this year. This is a very exciting prospect. I am relaxed and focused. »

This year, Simon Pagenaud will team up with Mikhail Aleshin, former Formula resident. Renault 3.5 (champion in 2010). “Mikhail is used to driving powerful cars and being in big teams, so I think there will be a lot less adjustments for him, but he has to learn to drive on ovals, which is not easy, but he has a good approach. There are so many challenges in IndyCar, so many details. He's got a lot of talent and he's very smart, and I think he fits in well with us. »

Pre-season testing in IndyCar continue before the resumption of the season scheduled for March 30 in St Petersburg.