Castroneves predicts thrilling finish

Last year was the first time that the lead of the race had changed on the final lap, as Sam Hornish Jr snatched victory from Marco Andretti coming out of the final turn.

However, Castroneves believes that the chances of something similar happening this year are strong.

"It's hard to not want to lead going into the final lap, but the draft is so strong here that it seems that you don't want to be leading at the white flag," he added.

"The guy who is leading could be in trouble because he will have no draft, so I think it will be close right up to the last lap."

The Brazilian will start the race from pole position, but he believes that the field is so competitive this year that nobody will be able to make a break at the front.

"Even if you like to lead, it will be hard to lead," said the two-time winner of the Indy 500. "There's definitely no favourite this year.

"There are 10 cars with pretty much the same level of equipment, and the lap times at the front are very close.

Penske team boss Roger Penske has predicted that the race will not be a fuel economy run, and Castroneves is expecting several drafting packs to form during the race.

"It helps to be behind because you can lift a little bit and take it easy," he said. "I remember getting into drafting packs in 2002. It worked then, so I see no reason why it won't work this year."