Rookie error angers Franchitti

The Super Aguri Fernandez Racing driver moved up into Franchitti's Honda-Dallara, sending him into a spin and the wall on the 104th lap. It ruined Franchitti's first race after back surgery stemming from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident last year. Matsuura went on to finish 11th.

"The 55 car drove up into my left rear and spun me around," Franchitti said. "It's his first race and stuff, but when it starts to understeer, you should get out of the gas and not run into the car above you. I'll have a word with him afterward."

Tom Anderson, the managing director of Super Aguri Fernandez Racing, said: "We are disappointed that we had too much understeer earlier in the race that forced the contact with Dario and which we apologise for. I think Kosuke learnt a lot today and his physical conditioning is good, so we are looking forward to next race in Phoenix."

Franchitti wasn't the only one complaining about wandering drivers. Newcomer Darren Manning was warned by IRL officials over the airwaves after an accident with Alex Barron, who crashed and finished 16th after starting on the front row.

"It was the exact same thing as with Dario," Barron said. "(Manning) entered too wide, and the next thing I know, his car started coming up the track. He hit me and put me in the wall. You've got to hold your line."