RLL defends Sato following Pocono crash

The race ofIndycar contested last weekend in Pocono (Pennsylvania) was marked by a spectacular crash involving several drivers. If no competitor was seriously injured, Takuma Sato was the subject of criticism accusing him of being responsible for the pileup.

The Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team subsequently published a press release on Tuesday to defend the Japanese.

“We are relieved that no one was injured following the accident. Usually, it is not necessary for a team to comment on these facts but we thought it was useful to clarify the situation following the accusations made against Takuma and after studying Takuma's cameras and data. »

“This data clearly shows that Takuma did not turn on Alexander (Red) and that he actually started to turn to the right when he tried to catch up with his car after the first contact. This type of accident is part of this competition in a type of race where every position counts at every moment of the race. This is a racing incident and as a team we affirm our complete confidence in our drivers. »

The retirement heavily penalizes Alexander Rossi while the winner of the 500 Indy 2016 occupies second place in the championship, now 35 points behind Josef Newgarden (Team Penske). The American expressed his anger towards his Japanese rival.

“This accident unfortunately had unfortunate consequences on certain title claims. An accident at Pocono in 2015 also cost us dearly when we were in 2nd place in the championship and we therefore know well the frustration of the drivers and teams who are experiencing this., specified Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.