Spain reigns supreme in IndyCar with new champ Alex Palou

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Spain's Alex Palou offered his country and himself their first IndyCar title at the series' finale in Long Beach on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Chip Ganassi Racing driver won the ultra-competitive championship in just his second season in the US.

Ahead of Sunday's finale, Palou had two title rivals to contend with: Arrow McLaren's Pato O'Ward and Penske's Jozef Newgarden.

The Spaniard's championship hopes were dealt a massive boost at the outset when O'Ward was punted out of the running by a clumsy move by Ed Jones, while poleman Newgarden drove a strong race to finish second behind the day's winner, Andretti Autosport's Colton Herta.

But Palou's conservative run to P4 ensured the CGR driver's remarkable coronation.

©IndyCar

"What a race, what a year, what a season!" Palou said during the post-race celebrations.

"This team is amazing. I’m super proud to be a part of Chip Ganassi Racing, all our partners. I’m super proud to be a champion and for the opportunity these guys gave me.

"Dream completed. Let’s get another one now."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.