Four-time IndyCar champion Sebastien Bourdais has admitted he is already looking ahead to a potential championship battle in 2017, after a sensational start to the season for the Frenchman.
Despite starting from last position at the season opener at St. Petersburg, Bourdais took advantage of a full course caution to scythe through the order and secure a famous victory.
Next time out around the iconic Long Beach street course Bourdais enjoyed further success, crossing the finish line second behind eventual race winner James Hinchcliffe and only just ahead of the Penske of Josef Newgarden.
After the first two rounds of the season Bourdais sits atop the drivers’ championship on 93 points, a whole 19 points ahead of Hinchcliffe.
This season Bourdais rejoined Dale Coyne Racing, a team which started out in IndyCar racing back in 1984 but had to wait until 2009 for their first victory with the late Justin Wilson at Watkins Glen.
“I was kind of thinking about the championship a little bit out there!” admitted Bourdais after the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
“I don't know that we're a contender but we'll find out.
“We'll have stayed up there for two races so that's not too bad.”
Although Bourdais was ultimately unable to replicate the successes of St. Petersburg at Long Beach and was forced to settle for second position, the Frenchman thoroughly enjoyed the race and offered full congratulations to race winner Hinchcliffe.
It was Hinchcliffe’s first victory since his life-threatening accident during practice for the 2015 Indianapolis 500.
"That was an incredible race,” continued Bourdais.
“At the beginning, somebody lost an end-plate or something.
“It flew by, I dodged it in the car, it went really close and it ripped off the whole left side off the rear wing and rear pod and that's why we came in so early.
“It gave us a couple of laps to save fuel, but we played to our strengths.
“James (Hinchcliffe) really deserved that one.
“He looked very comfortable and quick up front and I didn't really have the balance at the end to go challenge him so I just managed for second place.”
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