Monaco, May 2 – Monaco Increase Management driver Alex Palou finished the first race of the Texas Speedway double-header in fourth place, but he could have aimed for a higher position, had it not been for the need to protect his team mate’s Scott Dixon leadership in the 212-lap event. Palou had started from pole position as the points leader in the championship, after qualifying had been cancelled due to poor weather. He and Dixon swapped positions at the end of lap 2 and led until halfway to the race, when it became apparent that Colton Herta was becoming a threat to Dixon’s chance for a win. Palou then dropped his own pace to try and slow down Herta (who eventually had to retire for brake issues) and thus came out of the last pit stop P4 and held this position through the checkered flag. After Race 1, Alex is running second in the series at 100. Race 2 on the 1.5 mile oval in Fort Worth is due tonight at 2300 CET.