Race and classic pictures

Perfect Palou secures first win of 2023 in GPR Grand Prix

Alex Palou combined his remarkable speed with Chip Ganassi Racing's strategic brilliance to triumph in Saturday's IndyCar GMR Grand Prix held on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's road course.

It was Palou's first victory of the year while the Spaniard became IndyCar's fifth different winner in five races this season.

Starting his afternoon on Firestone's alternate 'red' tyres, Palou jumped from third to first on the race's opening lap, the CGR charger stealing poleman Christian Lundgard's thunder from the outset.

From there, the 2021 series champion never put a foot wrong, while his engineers executed to perfection as he ran through his allocation of primary and alternate compounds.

"We honestly knew we had a fast car since P1 yesterday," Palou said. "

"The car has been amazing all weekend. Once we knew we were starting on reds (Firestone alternate tires), I think we knew we were going to fight for the win.

"Amazing work by these guys. I just had to execute."

Palou headed Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O'Ward and Alexander Rossi while Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing's Lundgard finished fourth.

Palou also top the championship standings with 174 points ahead of O'Ward and CGR teammate Marcus Ericsson.

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.