— by Raymond Wintonyk (photo: KVSH Racing)
BIRMINGHAM, AL – April 28, 2014: In a carefully worded press release today, KVSH racing expressed their disapproval of the penalty that was given to Sébastien Bourdais for “avoidable contact” with Mikhail Aleshin in the hairpin at Barber Motorsports Park during the race on Sunday. Bourdais had been trying to get around Aleshin for about 16 laps on the still damp circuit. Aleshin was making his car very wide, and it was, frankly, a great battle to watch. Finally, in lap 20 of the race, Bourdais tried to make a move to the outside on the hairpin at turn 5. Aleshin went very wide, and Bourdais got into the back of him under braking at the entrance to the turn. Aleshin was spun, ended hung up on the curbing, Bourdais continued, but was assessed a penalty for “avidable contact”.
I took a close look at that incident (several times), and to be perfectly honest, I just can’t tell whether Bourdais was taken by surprise by Aleshin’s “proactive” move to block him on the outside, or if he was (perhaps) trying out a bit of chrome horn on the rookie Russian driver. But apparently the Bourdais team officials had been on the phone to IndyCar Race Control for quite some time complaining about the tactics of Mr. Aleshin. Quoted below is the press release by KVSH racing:
“KVSH Racing driver Sébastien Bourdais finished 15th yesterday in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
Following a two and a half hour delay due to heavy rain and lightening the IndyCar officials declared the event would be a 100-minute timed race.
With track conditions still extremely wet the field started on rain tires. Bourdais, in the No. 11 Team Hydroxycut – KVSH Racing Chevrolet/Dallara/Firestone car, started in 12th place, but was on the move at the drop of the green flag. By lap four he was in ninth and on lap six began a fierce battle for eight place with another competitor that continued for the next 16 laps. During the battle Bourdais was forced to take evasive action on at least two occasions to avoid contact. Team officials made repeated appeals to IndyCar officials regarding the tactics of the other competitor, but IndyCar declined to take action. Bourdais made one final attempt to pass at which point the other competitor again crossed in front of him and Bourdais made contact. The other driver went off track causing a yellow flag. Taking advantage of the yellow, the team pitted for the first time on lap 22. After an outstanding stop by the Team Hydroxycut – KVSH Racing crew, Bourdais rejoined the race in fifth place. Shortly thereafter, Series officials assessed Bourdais a penalty for avoidable contact. Following the drive through penalty, Bourdais dropped to 17 place. He continued to battle throughout the remainder of the contest, but with the competition so stiff he could only recover two positions.
“I had another fast car and another disappointing result. Once again, I feel bad for the KVSH Racing guys. They did a great job. I want to thank my sponsors, especially Hydroxycut for their support this weekend. We just have to move on and try and win the Grand Prix of Indianapolis.”
Bourdais contested his fourth race on the 2.38-mile, 17-turn Barber permanent road course. His 12th place qualifying spot is his best. His best finish is ninth also in 2012.
Bourdais earned 15 points for his effort and now sits 17th in the championship standings with 48 points, but is just 10 points out of 10th.
The 35-year-old, who was born in Le Mans France, is the only driver to win four consecutive U. S. open-wheel championships (2004 -2007). He has won 31 races (eighth all-time) and earned 31 poles (seventh all-time). Bourdais competed in 27 Formula One races (2008 – 2009) and has an impressive endurance racing record including a victory at the 2014 Rolex 24-Hour and a third at the 2014 12-Hour event at Sebring.”