Bourdais makes history
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ByEurosport
Published 22/10/2006 at 08:33 GMT
Sebastien Bourdais has become the first driver for nearly 60 years to win three consecutive ChampCar World Series titles. The Frenchman clinched the championship with a slightly anti-climactic eighth place at Surfers Paradise behind race winner Nelson Phi
ChampCar World Series 2006 Champ Car Sebastien Bourdais
Image credit: Imago
The last driver to achieve the feat was Ted Horn, who took his Maserati to glory from 1946 to 1948 in what was then the National Championship.
Only needing top finish to place himself out of the reach of A.J. Allmendinger, Bourdais was able to celebrate from lap 20, when Allmendinger ran into the fence on turn three.
"I might sound a little arrogant saying it, but I think it's never been done before," said Bourdais.
"Back in '46, '47 and '48 it was a completely different format, and back then the competition was so different, it's very difficult to compare.
"I think to me the real years start in '79 when this whole thing started and there was no dirt involved anymore and, you know, it's just a great feeling.
Bourdais also paid tribute to Newman/Haas boss Bernie Myers, along with team co-owners Paul Newman and Carl Haas for helping him to a third triumph in four seasons.
"I think when I first came in 2003, I never would have thought I was going to be part of that kind of dream," he said.
"I have to expend a very special thank you to Carl, Paul, Bernie and the whole team because they've been awesome and without them I would certainly not be there."
The 27-year-old had an uneventful running a conservative strategy, and trailed in eighth behind Philippe, who became the youngest race winner in ChampCar history at 20 years and nearly three months.
He came home seven tenths of a second ahead of Mario Dominguez, with Alex Tagliani mounting the bottom step of the podium.
"I just can't believe this day has finally come," said Philippe. "I am so full of adrenaline, I actually feel like throwing up."
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