Monday
Andretti Green Racing Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma Post Race Quotes
Press ReleaseIndy Grand Prix of Sonoma
Post-Race Quotes
SONOMA, Calif. (August 23, 2009) -
Formula Dream driver Hideki Mutoh, who was the lone Andretti Green driver to make it through a first-lap incident unscathed, drove to a fifth-place finish today to lead the way for Andretti Green Racing in the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway.Team 7-Eleven’s Tony Kanaan rebounded from his troubles to finish eighth and was followed by Venom driver Marco Andretti in 14th. Boost Mobile/Motorola driver Danica Patrick finished 16th and was followed by AFS driver Franck Montagny, who retired early and wound up 20th.
Danica Patrick, #7 Boost Mobile/Motorola Dallara/Honda/Firestone:
(Started 11th, finished 16th)
“The Boost Mobile/Motorola guys did a great job fixing the tow link that got damaged on the first lap of the race. They almost got it fixed in time for us to stay on the lead lap, but the rod was bent pretty badly. It frustrating when this all happens on the first lap, but it is what it is. We’re still fifth in points, so hopefully we will keep it that way next weekend in Chicago.”
Tony Kanaan, #11 Team 7-Eleven Dallara/Honda/Firestone:
(Started 7th, finished 8th)
“I felt like a bowling pin since I got hit a few times today. I think if we could’ve qualified a bit higher on the starting grid we could’ve stayed out of all that mess. It was unfortunate but a good way to come back. It’s just been one of those years, but at least we finished the race. Hopefully next weekend in Chicago we can get the Team 7-Eleven car into victory lane. We’re ready.”
Franck Montagny, #25 Automatic Fire Sprinklers Dallara/Honda/Firestone:
(Started 8th, finished 20th)
“I never really had a chance today. We were hit from behind on the very first lap, went into the gravel and that was pretty much the end of our race. We tried a few things as the day went on, but there was not much we could and I didn’t want to cause problems for the drivers that are competing in the championship fulltime. It was a tough day, for sure.”
Marco Andretti, #26 Team Venom Energy Dallara/Honda/Firestone:
(Started 4th, finished 14th)
“It’s disappointing to start fourth and finish 14th, especially when you have a strong car like we did. We got caught up with Graham (Rahal) at the very beginning which gave us a flat tire, so we had to pit and it put us to the back of the field. We spent the rest of the day fighting our way back through traffic. I feel bad for the Venom boys; they gave me a great car and worked hard in the pits all day. We’re on to ovals for the rest of the season, and I think we’ll be strong in the remaining races.”
Hideki Mutoh, #27 Formula Dream Dallara/Honda/Firestone:
(Started 5th, finished 5th)
“If I was able to keep the third position, it would’ve been a great finish, but the Formula Dream car was fantastic. Our pit stop was great, as well, so we were able to pass Helio. I really would like to thank all the Andretti Green people for their great support and the fans here. I enjoyed the race today, and am looking forward to next week’s race at Chicagoland.”
- Andretti-Green Racing Press Release
Article Tags: Andretti Green Racing, Chicagoland Speedway, Danica Patrick, Franck Montagny, Hideki Mutoh, Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, Infineon Raceway, Marco Andretti, No. 11 Team 7-Eleven Dallara/Honda/Firestone, No. 25 Automatic Fire Sprinklers Dallara/Honda/Firestone, No. 26 Team Venom Energy Dallara/Honda/Firestone, No. 27 Formula Dream Dallara/Honda/Firestone, No. 7 Boost Mobile/Motorola Dallara/Honda/Firestone, Tony Kanaan

