Helio Castroneves wins in Iowa to end 3-year drought
NEWTON, IOWA » Helio Castroneves dominated the IndyCar race Sunday at Iowa Speedway for his first victory since 2014.
The 42-year-old Castroneves led 217 of 300 laps, giving powerhouse Team Penske its first victory on Iowa’s short oval in 11 tries.
It also was the 30th career win for Castroneves, the Brazilian who was winless since the first race of the Belle Isle doubleheader in Detroit in June 2014.
Castroneves also passed Al Unser Sr. for fourth in career laps led.
“It’s just like the first time, man,” Castroneves said. “We’ve been close so many times, and finally luck was a little bit on our side.”
J.R. Hildebrand was a career-best second, followed by Ryan HunterReay, Will Power and Graham Rahal.
Series leader Scott Dixon finished eighth, two weeks after winning at Road America, but he still leads the standings by eight points over Castroneves.
Castroneves has won the Indianapolis 500 three times and remains among the most popular drivers in the series.
But his star had faded in recent years as teammates Simon Pagenaud and Will Power secured championships.
Castroneves had finished second eight times since his last victory, and there had even been recent speculation that his time at Penske could be coming to an end.
“I never doubt. That wasn’t even in my thoughts,” Castroneves said. “I’ve had great support — and especially Team Penske. They never gave up on me. We were always there. We were always good.”
Hildebrand, best known for crashing out on the final lap of the Indianapolis 500 in 2011, took control early in the No. 21 car that Josef Newgarden won with in Iowa in 2016.
But Hildebrand lost his lead when Castroneves beat him off pit lane after Carlos Munoz’s crash brought on a caution halfway through the race.
Hildebrand then got ahead of Castroneves after the field came in for their final pit stops. But Castroneves was back in front with just over 30 laps and used the fresh air — and the good fortune of a long, green-flag run — to cruise to victory.
Bottas wins Austrian GP as Vettel extends lead over Hamilton
SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA » Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas made a great start from pole position to win the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday, while Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel finished just behind in second to extend his championship lead over main rival Lewis Hamilton to 20 points.
Bottas just held off Vettel’s late charge, with the German driver crossing the line 0.6 seconds behind.
“He was catching up. I had a massive blister in the rear left (tire),” Bottas said. “I was losing more and more stability of the rear. I was happy the race ended on that lap.”
Vettel was frustrated at missing out on a 46th career win by so little.
“I was told he was in trouble, I was pushing. The car came alive and I had really good pace,” Vettel said. “I think I needed one more lap because he was really struggling up the hill.”
Vettel had never finished higher than fourth in Austria, twice retiring from races.
“I really wanted to win, so not entirely happy,” Vettel said.
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo showed great ability to defend third place from Hamilton, who almost passed the Australian driver on the last two laps but had to settle for fourth.
Bottas, who won in Russia, clinched the second victory of his career — and both have come since he joined Mercedes from Williams this season. His first career podium was on the same Spielberg track, when he finished third for Williams in 2014.
Bottas is now only 15 points behind Hamilton in the overall standings and close to contending for the title.
“I believe and the team believes,” Bottas said. “We’re not even halfway yet.”
Hamilton started from eighth on the grid on Sunday.
The British driver had the third fastest qualifying time behind Vettel and Bottas, but was demoted five places for an unauthorized gearbox change after the last race in Azerbaijan two weeks ago, which Ricciardo won.
Ricciardo, who is fourth overall, clinched his fifth straight podium.