Hélio Castroneves needs medical attention after IndyCar race at Road America
The 42-year-old Castroneves stood behind the stage and was bent over in severe pain IndyCar personnel gave him bottles of water.
When the three-time Indianapolis 500 winning driver was handed the third-place trophy, he had difficulty lifting it above his head.
Castroneves did not take part in the post-race media conference but spoke about his race after he was treated for dehydration by the Holmatro Safety Team and the IndyCar medical staff.
He started on the pole and led two times for 17 laps.
“Team Penske did a phenomenal job,” Castroneves said. “The REV Group Chevy was good, especially in the beginning. I was taking it easy and saving fuel, a lot of fuel actually. When we put the (Firestone primary) blacks on, I knew it was going to be rough and Josef (Newgarden) ended up getting the best of ours. But in the end we exchanged pits and we passed him again.
“At the end of the race Scott (Dixon) did a good job saving fuel and going a lap farther. They were fast for sure and it’s a shame because the car was really good, without question. But when you battle this close with everyone, it’s the difference of one small detail. At the end of the day it was a good day for the points championship.”
Castroneves had to overcome a pit stop issue on his final stop so that he could get into the pits before the closed lap came on.
“We mentioned in the (team) debrief that if in turn 14, the blue lights come on, you are to come (to the pits) right away,” Castroneves said. “So, I came in. I am sure they had a little buffer, and they knew what exactly was going on. He said keep going but I couldn’t quite understand him. See, Roger (Penske, team owner), that is what happens. I need you back.
“But at the end of the day it didn’t cost us anything in terms of a win or second place.”
Source :http://autoweek.com
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