Nearly a year removed from the most recent Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, the chatter is still centered on race winner Marcus Ericsson, late-race challenger Pato O’Ward and pole winner Scott Dixon, whose chance to win a second “500” was stopped by an untimely pit road speeding penalty on Lap 175. Palou’s downfall last year was one of the most unfortunate in recent history. “Passing 20 cars like we did last year, that was hard,” Palou said Thursday as this year’s competitors reconvened at IMS for a spring test. “(That year) was, let’s say, an ‘easy’ race because we ran all day up front,” Palou said. Palou even suggested there is a downside to having Sato on the squad. “He is one of the most (competitive) drivers to have in a (similar) car because he’s a real threat (to win) on Race Day,” Palou said. Palou finished Thursday’s test session eighth on the speed chart at 225.863 in the No.

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