INDYCAR: Pagenaud - Strategy is biggest worry

Simon Pagenaud says that a strategy misstep is his biggest worry as he seeks to secure his first IndyCar title at Sonoma on Sunday.

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Pagenaud will carry a 44-point lead over teammate and rival Will Power into the finale after earning the bonus point for pole, meaning that he only needs to finish fifth or better to claim the championship regardless of where Power starts.

But while the odds are on the Frenchman's side, he says that he's all too aware that his advantage could be erased by one unlucky stroke.

"I am really worried about strategy," he said. "Strategy is just an outside factor that we can't control. [And] I've had issues this year, some mechanical issues. What if it happens again? Can't control that. That would be so unfortunate. [Or if] a yellow comes out at the really wrong time for me."

With his point advantage giving him the luxury of some flexibility in the race, Pagenaud says that he'll be approaching things conservatively.

"I think we need to err on the safe side, even if it's to finish second," he said. "I think it's OK, as long as we win the championship."