Ganassi's Scott Dixon has questioned the “mysterious” second caution period during the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which ultimately influenced the race's final classification.
The caution enabled eventual victory Sébastien Bourdais, along with other drivers who started towards the back of the grid, to gain a tactical advantage.
On Lap 26 of the race the second and final full course caution was caused when Mikhail Aleshin made light contact with the rear of Tony Kanaan’s Ganassi at Turn 4.
Although both drivers managed to continue racing, slight damage was caused to the rear of Kanaan’s car and debris was scattered on the track, albeit off the racing line.
At this stage of the race half of the field had already completed their first pit stops under green flag conditions, leaving the leading pack to make their first stops during the caution period, losing track position as a result.
Meanwhile, the likes of Simon Pagenaud and Bourdais opted not to pit, and were therefore able to vault up the order, where they remained for the remainder of the race.
"It started off a little bit rough,” explained Dixon, who started on the front row of the grid alongside Penske's Will Power.
“We lost a spot at the start and then there was the mysterious caution.
“It was a bit strange – I don't know why they were yellow for such a small piece of debris that wasn't even on the racing line.
“That pretty much put us in the toilet right there.”
Although Dixon was visibly annoyed with the decision to call a full course caution, the four-time champion still managed to fight his way back through the order to finish third.
"We passed a lot of cars both on strategy and on-track,” continued Dixon.
“It wasn't the day we had hoped for obviously but it was better than a lot of other results we've had here over the years.”
