Montoya: Podiums vindicate IndyCar comeback

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Juan Pablo Montoya believes that his second IndyCar podium in as many races further vindicates his decision to return to Indy cars, despite frustration at missing a Houston win on Saturday.

Montoya finished in second place behind compatriot and surprise winner Carlos Huertas in the first race of the Houston double-header, and said that the result was bittersweet.

"The last time I finished second here [in Houston, in CART in 2000], Jimmy Vasser was the guy who beat me, and finishing second place really sucked," Montoya said. "Am I happy? Yeah, I'm happy I finished second and I've shown that I can get the job done and everything – but it still sucks.

"And I think that's why I can get the job done. I really want to win. It's all about performing, and this year the IndyCar Series is really tough. Even having such a good car, you're off a little bit and you're 15th. It doesn't take much to be nowhere."

Huertas had made his final stop much earlier than Montoya, and his Dale Coyne Racing teammate Justin Wilson had been forced to stop a few laps before the end to top up his fuel. Montoya admitted that by the time he realised that Huertas was not going to follow suit it was almost too late, although the fact that the race finished under yellows prevented a final attempt to pass the rookie.

"I never thought he could make it to the end," Montoya conceded. "On the radio it was like, 'They're not going to make it, we're good. You've only got to protect from behind.' And then they said, 'Oh, I think you might want to try to pass Huertas.' And I said, 'I think I'm out of tires.'"

Montoya was a podium contender in Sunday's second Houston race as well, though he eventually finished seventh after a furious battle with Jack Hawksworth and Charlie Kimball.