Bourdais hopes for Junqueira help

Bourdais became the first champion since Al Unser Sr in 1971 to start his defence with three consecutive victories.

Teammate Junqueira has, by comparison, struggled on his return from the back injuries he sustained in last year's Indy 500, and has yet to finish higher than tenth.

The Brazilian was on for a stronger finish in Monterrey, however was penalised for blocking Paul Tracy while fighting for fourth. Bourdais believed the penalty was harsh, because Tracy was in front when the it was awarded.

"Bruno is obviously having an extremely difficult start of the season," Bourdais said. "Not speed-wise. He's shown some speed. He just doesn't seem to have any luck at all this year. From what I heard, that he didn't really deserve that penalty.

"You know, I think it's a little tough from race control to give him that penalty because he already has had a miserable start of the season. You know, just give him a little bit of help.

"When you're trying to build up momentum and you've had a terrible start of the season after two races, you barely scored any points, and you get to the third race, you are showing some speed, you're riding right there.

"He was in the top four, five, and then he gets a penalty even though Tracy is going in front of him.

"I really feel that Bruno is going to be there. For sure, you know, mentally right now it's difficult. I would be affected just as much as he is right now. I just hope that he'll be able to overcome that because I need his help, for sure."