IndyCar: Pato O'Ward edges Alex Palou in Alabama to win first race of the season
After qualifying in second, Pato O'Ward was able to make the move on Rinus VeeKay and hold on to win the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, his first victory of the season.
The Mexican driver endured a tough start to the year with respective 12th and 15th placed finishes in St.Petersburg and Texas, while last month's race at Long Beach saw him finish an improved fifth.
But the Arrow McLaren SP driver was a class above the rest on Sunday. After suggesting his poor start was due to contract negotiations with the team, it seems he's finally been able to look past the distractions.
Getting it done at Barber! π
β Arrow McLaren SP (@ArrowMcLarenSP) May 1, 2022
Now thatβs how you kick off the month of May. π€©
#INDYCAR / #HIGPA pic.twitter.com/WcXdBwk2Qi
With Illott's spin allowing VeeKay a cheap stop, it seemed the Dutch driver would bring home the win after building up a two second lead by lap 60, but in the pair's final pit-stop, O'Ward was able to catch the leader on his outlap, before making a brave outside move in the hairpin around Turn 5 for the lead.
Is this the moment? π #INDYCAR / #HIGPA
β Arrow McLaren SP (@ArrowMcLarenSP) May 1, 2022
pic.twitter.com/pjAOaxRUlQ
'@PatricioOWard WINS at @BarberMotorPark!
β IndyCar on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 1, 2022
RETWEET to congratulate the @ArrowMcLarenSP driver! #INDYCAR pic.twitter.com/unAeQItUu0