CCWS News - Bourdais Makes It Three In A Row
13/11/2006
Sebastien Bourdais finished his third consecutive Champ Car World Series championship-winning season in style, snatching victory on the last lap of a thrilling race at Mexico City.
The race, the final round of the Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford, was a challenge for both drivers and teams.
Pole sitter Justin Wilson was driving with a broken wrist incurred at the previous round in Australia. The Brit had had two pins inserted to speed up the healing, but he was unsure how he would fare during the race.
If anything, Wilson was helped by a rain shower a third into the race, which lessened the load on his injured wrist. In the end, it all came down to tyre choice and a daring last lap move from Bourdais.
“It wasn’t a matter of leading the most laps, just a matter of leading the last one,” said Bourdais. The Frenchman took a big gamble on his final pit-stop, opting to stay on his Bridgestone wet tyres, while Wilson switched his for fresh and retained the track position for the lead.
“It made the whole difference. It was a great battle right from the start, and all the way through. I didn’t know if Justin had changed his Bridgestones at the final stop, and I guess that made the difference. If it was only three or four laps to go, then new tyres would have made a big difference.”
The pass for the lead was spectacular. Bourdais launched up the inside of Wilson’s car, locked up, and they made gentle contact – but the lead was his to the flag.
Wilson was gracious in defeat, consoled by claiming second in the overall championship standings. And, he is already positive about the 2007 season. “We were third last year, second this time. I hope the progression continues,” he remarked.