Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner (and Formula One veteran) Takuma Sato discusses the challenges of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach circuit as well as other topics right after qualifying. Sato was not happy with a 16^th place qualifying position and his Sunday morning warm-up was one position further back in 17^th. However Sato’s motto, “No attack, no chance” served him well in the race as he raced his way to a top ten finish (9^th) holding off some of the best Indy car drivers in the sport. Note: It was announced after the grand prix that Sato would not be returning to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for 2022. Sato is looking to sign with another team and as of press time nothing has been announced.

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By Larry Mason Copyright © 2021 Larry Mason Takuma Sato waves to the crowd just prior to the start of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Was it also a farewell wave to IndyCar? Takuma Sato hustled his RLL car through Turn 9 during qualifying but it was only good enough for the 16^th starting position. Takuma Sato looks at data with his crew to figure out how to go faster after the Sunday morning warm-up. It wasn’t exactly a Sunday drive in the park for Sato, but after narrowly avoiding the crash in the hairpin that knocked out Pato O’Ward Sato made the most of the positions he gained to finish ninth. Near the end of the race, Sato leads Ed Jones, Will Power and Scott McLaughlin. Interview and photos by Larry Mason