Japan's Takuma Sato wins 101st running of Indy 500

ByReuters

Updated 28/05/2017 at 20:25 GMT

Takuma Sato fought off a challenge from Helio Castroneves to become the first Japanese driver to win the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday while Fernando Alonso's Indy adventure ended in familiar frustration.

Takuma Sato is seen during practice for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 18, 2017 in Indianapolis, In

Image credit: Getty Images

Sato, who entered the race with one IndyCar victory on his resume, claimed the sport's biggest prize and in the process denied Castroneves a record-equalling fourth Indy 500 win and a place in the Brickyard's most exclusive club..

Takuma Sato of Japan, driver of the #26 Panasonic Honda stands on the grid during Carb day for the 101st Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 26, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Image credit: Getty Images

Twice Formula One world champion Alonso, who skipped the Monaco Grand Prix to make his IndyCar debut, led for 27 laps and looked ready to earn a fairytale victory until he suffered a familiar fate when his Honda engine expired with 21 laps to go.

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Fernando Alonso of Spain, driver of the #29 McLaren-Honda-Andretti Honda, waves during driver introductions alongside Takuma Sato of Japan, driver of the #26 Andretti Autosport Honda, ahead of the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Mot

Image credit: Getty Images

It was a case of deja vu for the Spaniard, who came to the Indy 500 partly to escape the engine problems plaguing his McLaren Formula One team.

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