IndyCar: 5 reasons Alexander Rossi’s move was completely acceptable

Was Alexander Rossi’s move on Robert Wickens late in the 2018 IndyCar season opener acceptable? Here are five reasons why it was.

Following a restart with three laps remaining in the 110-lap 2018 IndyCar season opener Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, which came as a result of Rene Binder hitting the tire barrier in turn 10, Robert Wickens maintained his lead in the #6 Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda over Alexander Rossi in the #27 Andretti Autosport Honda.

However, in turn 8 on that lap, Max Chilton lost control of his car. As he attempted to reverse in order to keep running, his car stalled in the middle of the track, causing another caution flag to fly, thus prompting another restart.

Not even one lap later, Wickens took off down the front straightaway again on a restart with two laps to go. However, Rossi made the move to the inside of him in a pass attempt heading into turn 1, and the two cars collided.

Here is a video of this crash.

Rossi was able to continue and ended up finishing in 3rd place in the race, which ended up finishing under caution and being won by Sebastien Bourdais, while Wickens, who led 69 of the race’s 110 laps after starting from the pole position, failed to finish and was officially scored 18th.

However, here are five reasons why Rossi’s move was completely acceptable.