Scott Dixon manages another podium finish in Alabama

For the sixth time in the Kiwi's career, Scott Dixon has finished second in the Honda Grand Prix of Alabama.

Finishing 2.3 seconds short of Takuma Sato, Dixon managed to hold off Sebastien Bourdais' late charge which started late in the 90-lap race.

"It was really tough, we had a lot of degradation. We started off, could push really hard and be really quick and close the gap. Even on those crossovers in the pit we were able to hone in on Graham and Sato early in the race," Dixon said.

"The last 10 laps were just miserable. On that last run I just tried to hold a steady gap to Takuma. I’ve got to thank the PNC Bank guys, we were very strong in the pits. We were able to jump Sebastien and he drove a hell of a stint.

"Another second. We’re second in the points. Hopefully we can try and get a win here one day."

While Sato got the jump off the line and held the lead into turn one, Dixon was fighting for Rahal's spot in second, and was taking every opportunity that he was presented with.

Rahal's defense was rock solid, and prompted Dixon to get on the radio, and tell race control that Rahal has run him off track. Unfortunately for Dixon, nothing came of his claim, and the race went on as normal.

Fast-forward to lap 66, and the race has just restarted with Sato leading, and Mathieus Leist holding off Dixon for second place. Though Leist put up a good fight, during the 67th lap, Dixon managed to find his way past the Brazilian driver.

Despite his attempts at the top spot, Dixon had to focus on holding off Bourdais in the final laps, and managed to cross the finish line 2.7 seconds ahead.

After the race, Dixon explained what was going through his head in those tense final laps:

“It was mostly just trying to hold on, that’s all I was doing. Every time he made an attack I tried to push more and then the tyres just cried more. I think as a team we’ve got to look at what we’re doing with the longevity of the tyre stints and make sure that we can clear that up.

“All in all, I’m really happy with the team. A great run for Honda, obviously wiping out the podium in their home race. We’ll try go one better next week.”

The next race of the series is happening in Long Beach next weekend.