Alex Palou is on the rise this season, getting his first IndyCar win in the season opener and staying right at the front of the championship battle ever since.
His sophomore season, and his first with Chip Ganassi Racing, is proving to be a breakout season for the young Spaniard.
Now that half the season is over, he sits just one point behind Pato O’Ward, who also earned his first IndyCar win this year, and over 30 points ahead of his championship-winning team-mate Scott Dixon.
When asked by Motorsportweek.com if he values his only win or his place in the points standings more, Palou came around to the decision that his place in the championship battle means more.
“You have to win,” was Palou’s initial reaction. “The feeling you get when you win is amazing.
“But you can get a win because you have a good day or because you have a bit of luck.
“But getting already four podiums, if you count the Indy 500, that means more than only one win. I’ve been super happy lately and hopefully we can keep it going.”
Palou has finished well at Road America in the past, earning a podium in his third ever start last season.
He also ended the first practice session on Friday, which saw extra tricky conditions due to low grip from the Firestone tires, less than two tenths of a second off the fastest time of the day.
With the battle at the top end of the standings so close, as long as he finishes ahead of O’Ward this Sunday at Road America, he can reclaim the points lead once again.
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