Simon Pagenaud: “Win ​​the 500 Miles again”

What does it mean for you to start the season as the last winner of the Indianapolis 500?

In fact, I feel much better about myself, much freer, because I relieved personal pressure after this victory. As a result, I concentrate more easily on the essentials. I did a very good winter preparation and I can’t wait to start the season.

What will be your objective?

First, the 500 Miles. It's a race that I have learned to appreciate over the years, I have immersed myself in its legend, and after experiencing the emotion of winning the fastest race in the world, I want to relive it even more this experience. I took great satisfaction from this battle won against Alexander Red. I now know how to win, I understand the subtleties of this kind of racing, I have the car to do it, so that’s objective number 1.

Before winning it, had you carefully measured the impact of a victory at the Indy 500?

There is obviously a lot of media coverage, but I don't race to be famous or to be a star, that's not why I drive at 380 km/h on rings, but it's there where I really feel like myself, and because it gives me sensations that I can't find anywhere else. My career having headed towards the United States, the pinnacle was to win this race.

Giving a successor to your 2016 title should also inspire you…

Of course. I also have the impression that we have everything we need to have an excellent season. Like last year, we met during the winter with the engineers, but also with my teammates, to clearly target priorities. On this basis, the team brought us developments that worked well during the collective tests in Austin (February 11-12, Editor's note), which went in the right direction for my driving, and I had a lot of fun. So I am even more confident than last year.

The big news will be the Aeroscreen. How much does it change the behavior of the car?

It has a definite impact on the balance of our frames, since there is excess weight on the front. We are still analyzing to find the right combination of mechanical and aerodynamic changes. In Austin (tests in February. Editor’s note), the first change in damping delighted us. Then, at Sebring (tests on March 4, Editor's note), we tried a lot of things, but as it's a really different track from St Petersburg, we will have answers as to how the car behaves on urban roads during the first weekend. end of race.

And in terms of driving comfort?

Honestly, when you're riding, you don't even realize the Aeroscreen is there. The only real problem was the ventilation of the cockpit, but I was reassured at Sebring where we did not suffer from the heat.

This season, Roger Penske takes the leadIndyCar and IMS. Do you think this will be a pivotal year for the series?

Roger Penske's team is already well in place, and as usual, he makes sure things get done quickly and well. Our series is booming. We're going to welcome Scott McLaughlin, Fernando Alonso, and we see that Jimmy Johnson is also tempted by IndyCar. 2020 will be a season with lots of big names and good news. It promises a lot of media coverage and is obviously good for our partners and the teams.

The newcomer, McLaren SP, could he join the fight?

Already, before the arrival of McLaren, Schmidt Peterson was a very good team, and there it grew. As they have good drivers and great resources, I believe they could come and tickle Ganassi, Andretti and Penske. I will also keep a close eye on Felix Rosenqvist (Ganassi), because last year, for his first season, he was already performing well. The fact remains that we will only be able to gauge the forces present once in St Petersburg, but there is no reason why we should not be at the forefront.