Castroneves: No sympathy for Tracy

The Penske ace was passed by Team Green's Paul Tracy on the penultimate lap, but seconds before, a crash between Laurent Redon and Buddy Lazier brought out the yellows, meaning the race finished under caution.

It was judged that Castroneves was still in front when the yellows came out. As positions are frozen from the moment a caution period starts, that meant Castroneves was declared the winner. Team Green has lodged a protest which will be heard later today.

"I'm sorry, but I can't feel sorry for Tracy," said Castroneves. "It's a tough decision. We have a system that works for everyone. It's a decision not for one driver but for all. That's why today is my lucky day."

The Brazilian claimed that Tracy only passed him because he slowed when he saw the yellow flags. It was thought that he was forced to back off because the Dallara-Chevrolet was low on fuel.

"He didn't pass me before because I was protecting my position," said Castroneves. "It's difficult to pass here. He passed me because I lifted off - that's the point. Definitely in Turn 3 is where the yellow came on and that's why I lifted."

Tracy said: "I was tucked under Helio's back wing and he creeped down the track. As he committed to the inside line, I swept out and held it flat to go around the outside of him. When I came out into the short [straight between Turns 3 and 4], I saw the yellow light was on.

"We feel we were ahead, but we have to wait and see because we're a little in the dark right now. I thought I was the winner but they told me to come into my pit box. It's a bit frustrating to say the least, but we have a protest in. If it's not to be, then I congratulate Helio and Team Penske for the job they did."