BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Will Power started up front and never relinquished his spot to win the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on Sunday.
The Australian extended his lead in the final laps and finished 3.38 seconds ahead of Scott Dixon, and Dario Franchitti was third on the 2.38-mile road course at Barber Motorsports Park.
Power became the first IndyCar driver to lead wire to wire since Franchitti did it at Sonoma in 2009.
IndyCar’s second race since moving to the double-file restart produced plenty of thrills — along with six full-course cautions. Six drivers were knocked out by contact, including Ryan Briscoe, who started in second place.
But all the trouble remained safely behind his teammate Power. “It was one of the most relaxing races I’ve ever had,” Power said. “I was just really cruising.”
It was Dixon’s second straight runner-up finish at Barber.
Vettel stays perfect
SEPANG, Malaysia — Sebastian Vettel extended his perfect start to the Formula One season by winning the Malaysian Grand Prix, earning his second straight victory to begin defense of his world title.
The Red Bull driver started from the pole and led throughout to beat McLaren’s Jenson Button by 3.2 seconds, with Renault’s Nick Heidfeld hanging on for third.
“I love what I do and I don’t think I could be happier at this stage,” said Vettel, who won the season- opening Australian GP. “Two wins out of two is perfect, couldn’t be better, but there is still a very long way to go this season.”
The Associated Press
