Palou strikes first at Barber, Grosjean 10th

A debut that couldn't have been more successful for Alex Palou. Drafted by Chip Ganassi Racing after his departure from Dale Coyne Racing, the Spaniard was keen to convince his new boss for his premiere. Done.

In a race marked by the big accident of Joseph Newgarden (Team Penske), Alex Palou showed great mischief. Starting on a two-stop strategy, the Catalan mastered his subject from start to finish in Barber.

Replay of the incident involving multiple cars on Lap 1 at @BarberMotorPark.

The first #INDYCAR race of 2021 is LIVE on @nbc.#INDYCAR // #HIGPA pic.twitter.com/i7GlBwwdMx

—NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) April 18, 2021

In the tough at the end of the Grand Prix due to the wear of his tires and under the threat of the return of Will Power (Team Penske), the new recruit of Chip Ganassi Racing held on and was able to enjoy his first victory under his new colors but also in IndyCar.

The moment at @BarberMotorPark When @AlexPalou became an NTT INDYCAR Series winner for the first time. #INDYCAR // #HIGPA pic.twitter.com/ytCovbF4YE

- NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) April 18, 2021

On the French side, Sébastien Bourdais (AJ Foyt) finished 5th, just over 10 seconds behind the winner. For its first in IndyCar, Romain Grosjean (Dale Coyne Racing) took a nice 10th place, encouraging for the future. simon pagenaud (Team Penske) is the lowest ranked. He is in 12th place.

For his debut, Jimmie Johnson (Chip Ganassi Racing) suffered. The driver of the No. 48 finished three laps behind his teammate and winner of the day Alex Palou.

Early in his first race, rookie @JimmieJohnson spins at @BarberMotorPark.

Watch LIVE on @nbc.#INDYCAR // #HIGPA pic.twitter.com/aypw3sTLnV

- NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) April 18, 2021

Find the analysis of the first round of the 2021 IndyCar season by our expert in AUTOhebdo N°2308 available from Monday in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands.