Roger Penske: “Simon wasn’t going to be beaten”

“The Captain” can enjoy his 18th triumph at the Indianapolis 500. Roger Penske strengthened his legend even further last Sunday, with a new victory on the legendary American oval, but a success with a particular taste since won for the first time by the French simon pagenaud.

Arriving at the team in 2015, the Frenchman came close to giving Penske a victory in his first year, before being crowned in the championship in 2016. But the famous Indy 500 was still missing from the list. And this time, the Poitevin rider, guided by his team, did not miss his chance.

“We won as a team today, and I think when I saw Helio and everyone else, everyone said the same thing, mentions Roger Penske. Winning here is incredible, but you can't do it without the best people. And again, year after year, and I said it here a few weeks ago, we have over 700 years of combined experience.

So that’s what makes the difference […] Simon wasn’t going to be beaten today. He drove cleanly, and that's what I have to say about Red. The two drivers, during the close battle laps, offered a superb race. »

Asked about the continuation of Simon Pagenaud under the Penske colors next year, The Captain only sent one answer: " Absolutely ". To continue the beautiful story that began in 2015 and has now entered the history of French and world motorsport.

Discover the full report of the Indianapolis 500, produced by our special correspondent in the United States, in issue 2218 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version and on newsstands.