Sato wins Indy 500, engine failure dooms Alonso

INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) – Takuma Sato fought off a challenge from Helio Castroneves to become the first Japanese driver to win the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday while Fernando Alonso’s Indy adventure ended in familiar frustration.

Sato, who entered the race with one IndyCar victory on his resume, claimed the series’ biggest prize and in the process denied Castroneves a record-equaling fourth Indy 500 win and a place in the Brickyard’s most exclusive club.

Sato powered past Castroneves with only five laps to go in the 200-lap race around the 2.5 mile (4.02 km) oval then bravely held off the Brazilian while screaming in delight as he took the checkered flag.

“Unbelievable feeling,” said Sato, who went winless in seven seasons in Formula One before jumping to IndyCar. “It was a tough, tough race, but Helio really drives fair so I can trust him. Fantastic race. Hopefully the crowd enjoyed it.”

As Sato was mobbed by his euphoric Andretti Autosport crew, 42-year-old Castroneves slumped in his cockpit after failing to join A.J. Foyt, Al Unser Sr. and Rick Mears as the only four-time winners of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Twice Formula One world champion Alonso, who skipped the Monaco Grand Prix to make his IndyCar debut, led for 27 laps and looked ready to earn a fairytale victory until his Honda engine expired with 21 laps to go.