Team Penske’s Simon Pagenaud says he has ‘dug deeper than ever’ over the winter break as he bids to claim a second Indianapolis 500 victory and the NTT IndyCar Series title.
Pagenaud claimed his only IndyCar title in 2016, and has finished runner-up twice in the last four seasons while he added victory at the Indy 500 to his CV in 2019.
But the 36-year-old won just one race in 2020 as he slipped to a low-key eighth in last year’s standings.
Having utilised every possible tool at his disposal from fitness to data telemetry, the Penske driver claims to feel better prepared for the challenges ahead.
“I’ve been grinding, let me tell you,” said Pagenaud.
“It’s been a very interesting winter. I’ve worked on more details than I’ve ever worked before, which is great. And with more and more data, technology, you can really dig deep and just perfect your craft even better than in the past.
“Obviously Team Penske has been able to provide me all the information I needed to get ready for the season, so personally I feel like I’ve really worked really well.
“I feel very ready for the season and very excited. Like I said, I’m a grinder. I’ve been working hard, and I’m ready for the challenge.”
After an unusually lacklustre display for himself and Penske at last year’s Indy 500, Pagenaud is making it a priority to claim a second victory at the Brickyard as well as a second series title.
“Obviously number one priority for me is the 500, trying to get a second ring,” he added.
“Obviously like I did in ’19, we got so close to winning the championship, as well. Well, we’re going to try to do it this year.
“The team, on their side, they’ve been working really hard. Gaining speed for the Speedway mostly was number one for them as well.
“Lately there’s been a huge push on the road course and street course, and I feel like we’re gelling really well as a team with my teammates and everybody on the team. It’s a pretty exciting time.”
