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After leading 153 of 200 laps of the race and recorded also the fastest lap (lap 13), the Brazilian driver Helio Castroneves won today at the Twin Ring Motegi, Japan, one of his most emblematic victories. The result at the 16th and penultimate race of the Indycar season assured Helio his 25th victory in Indy. He got the most possible points; 53 points (50 or winning the race, 1 for the pole position, and 2 points for leading the most laps) and climbed to third place in the championship.
Unlike what happened in his previous victory in Kentucky, this time Helio didn’t race based on fuel economy. On the contrary, maintained a steady pace and high performance from the start, when he stayed on the edge after starting from pole position, obtained the day before.
The efficient work in the pits of Team Penske also contributed to the victory. Castroneves stopped four times and each time they were returned to the track in front.
“The team have done well and this win is special, to be celebrated by us all,” said Castroneves. “The car was very well setup all weekend long and maintained a very strong pace. In the pits, my crew was great, “he added. The only problem was reported by him in one of the restart, when he gave a “back” position and lost to Ryan Briscoe (Team Penske) and Franchitti. In recovery, he won a position on the track and overtook the teammate in the pits.
Américo Teixeira Jr. (MTB 18.702)
Brazil Phone #: 55 19 9749-8111
press@diariomotorsport.com.br
Assessor de Imprensa do Piloto Helio Castroneves no Brasil
Versão em PortuguesDepois de liderar 153 das 200 voltas da prova e assinalar também a melhor volta (na 13ª passagem), o piloto brasileiro Helio Castroneves faturou hoje no Twin Ring Motegi, Japão, uma de suas vitórias mais emblemáticas. O resultado na 16ª e penúltima etapa da Indycar garantiu a ele a 25ª conquista na Indy. Ele somou a pontuação máxima possível, 53 pontos, e subiu para o 3º lugar no campeonato.
Diferentemente do que ocorreu na sua vitória anterior, em Kentucky, dessa vez o piloto do Team Penske não fez uma prova baseada na economia de combustível. Pelo contrário, manteve um ritmo constante e de alta performance desde a largada, quando permaneceu na ponta após partir da pole position, obtida no dia anterior.
Os agrupamentos que resultavam das bandeiras amarelas que se acumularam, em total de cinco (50 voltas neutralizadas no total), eram dissipados logo nas primeiras voltas após as relargadas, comprovando um desempenho praticamente inalterado. O trabalho eficiente nos pits do Team Penske também contribuiu para a vitória. Castroneves parou quatro vezes e em todas elas foi devolvido à pista na frente.
“A equipe está de parabéns e essa vitória é especial, para ser festejada por todos nós”, disse Castroneves. “O carro esteve muito bem acertado o final de semana todo e deu para andar num ritmo bem forte. Nos pits, meu pessoal foi ótimo”, completou. O único problema relatado por ele foi em uma das relargadas, quando deu uma “traseirada” e perdeu posição para Ryan Briscoe (Team Penske) e Franchitti. Na recuperação, conquistou uma posição na pista e superou o companheiro de equipe nos pits.
Américo Teixeira Jr. (MTB 18.702)
Brazil Phone #: 55 19 9749-8111
press@diariomotorsport.com.br
Assessor de Imprensa do Piloto Helio Castroneves no Brasil
Helio!! Awesome win in Japan!! Just watched the new season of Dancing with the Stars…but it’s never been the same without you and Julianne. I keep hoping maybe you and Julianne can perform one more time for us this season after your last race. It would be so awesome, and I’ll bet the ratings for the show would be through the roof!! Here’s hoping my wish comes true!!!
Just watched the first night of this DWTS season and, like many seasons since, none of the men hold a candle to you.
My favorite is Jennifer Grey and Derek. Gotta stay behind a Hough sib. Also loved Jennifer in “Dirty Dancing”.
PARABÉNS HELIO PELA TUA VITÓRIA NO JAPÃO E TROFÉU MAIS LINDO AINDA.SOU TUA FÃ INCONDICIONAL,COM NOS VEREMOS NEM QUE SEJA DE LONGE NO GP BRASIL UM GRANDE ABRAÇO GAUCHA DE PORTO ALEGRE
Congratulations Helio! It was an awesome race and you were in a class all by yourself. Great pits, great driving and you on top the podium where you should be. Hope to see you on the podium for the final race also. Good luck!
Helio, congratulations on a big win at Motegi, we were very happy to see you climb the fence, your enthusiasm is contagious. Boy, I still remember the 2008 race, you were in front but sort on fuel and Danica passed you, I am glad this time fuel was not a concern. My wife and I admire how you can achieve so many things and still be a simple person when you are interviewed.
Keep doing what you are doing, we love to see you on the podiums, be patience, and let the victory come to you at Homestead.
Congratulations on your victory!
I was really happy to see your fence-climbing.
Thank you very much for everything.
CONGRATULATIONS Helio,great performance in Motegi……..Pole and Win…….AWSOME.”4″ wins this year!Now where has that car been hiding all year? Definately you outclassed them with speed,great pit stops and just plain good racing.I think Rick R. is your lucky charm……….he needs to be with you at everyrace next year!!Congrats to Cindric too.
More cars, like that one at Motegi next year, and no bogus rules ,you will be the one they will be chasing all year.
I cannot believe only 1 race to go.Hopefully Team Penske can bring home the Championship at Homestead.
Safe trip home to Mikaella and Adriana
Congratulations on a great race in Motegi!!! Loved the fence climb. Hope you can make it “3″ in a row with a win at Homestead!
Congratulations Helio!! You drove an awesome race!!
Super great race you are a champion Helio. anyone know why only 1 vote and blocked out on indycar from voting. Everyone go vote for Helio hurray Helio
I SAID IT LAST NIGHT ON YOUR OTHER BLOG; I’LL SAY IT AGAIN…..YAAAAAAAAY! WAY TO GO HELIO!!!! WAY TO DOMINATE AND FINISH STRONG!!!!! KEEP THIS MOMENTUM INTO NEXT SEASON!!!!!
Tony Massey
Oh. Looks like we need to help our man get his second “Tire-iffic Move of the Race” in a row.
A move from 12th to 5th is just not as cool as winning two in a row if you ask me.
Gorgeous trophy Helio. Glad you won it again!
Just a win in Homestead and you can carry all that momentum to St. Pete next March. Of course a special 1st birthday in December helps as well.
2011 champion and 4-time Indy 500 champion? Both have very nice rings to them and are both very possible for YOU!
HELIO #1…!!!