Pagenaud streaks to tense Alabama IndyCar win

French ace Simon Pagenaud continued his blistering form to win a hectic Honda Grand Prix at Alabama.

Pagenaud made full use of his pole position to pace the majority of the 90 lap race at the undulating 17-turn Barber Motorsports Park. It was Pagenaud’s second successive victory following his Long Beach triumph last week.

The Team Penske pilot had dominated proceedings until nine laps from the end when Graham Rahal made a forceful move.

Attempting a push-to-pass manoeuvre, Rahal banged the right rear of Pagenaud forcing the #22 off the course, resulting in a reversal of the front two positions.

The incident was immediately flagged by officials as being under investigation but soon after stewards said that they would not take any action.

More frantic action followed with four laps remaining when Rahal was caught out by Jack Hawksworth with the former destroying his already damaged front wing when attempting a pass.

As Rahal made the move, Pagenaud was waiting in the wings and soon pounced to retake the lead and streak away for a 13.7s victory.

Rahal did a fine job of keeping the chasing pack from stealing his second position while Josef Newgarden made a late pass to finish third from Will Power.

Montoya completed a fine rearguard effort finishing fifth after slicing his way from 21st on the grid.

James Hinchcliffe was sixth ahead of Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, Charlie Kimball while Scott Dixon salvaged 10th.

Dixon’s chances were ruined when he was turned around by KVSH Racing’s Sebastien Bourdais on the second restart at the beginning of the race with the latter receiving a penalty for the incident.

The race came down the final round of pit stops with Pagenaud receiving used softer compound red tyres with 24 laps remaining.

He was followed into the pits by Rahal who saw out the finish of the new red rubber.

Power’s chances evaporated when he pitted with 25 laps to go and received primary Firestone tyres during a lengthy stop which dropped him behind Rahal.

After the opening four races Pagenaud has extended his lead to 48 points over Dixon.

VIDEO: Race recap

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