Colombian teen wins Indy Lights title; Oakville driver third

Sebastian Saavedra, a 19-year-old Colombian, was so excited about winning yesterday's Firestone Indy Lights race at the Honda Indy Toronto that he pulled his country's flag out of his firesuit and waved it at fans during the cool-down lap.

Saavedra defeated second-place finisher J.R. Hildebrand of Sausalito, Calif., and Oakville's James Hinchcliffe, who finished third.

It was the second win of the season for Saavedra and his third podium finish. He drives for Andretti Green Racing, promoters of the Toronto Indy.

When asked about the flag waving, Saavedra broke out in a big smile.

"I've been keeping it in my pocket since I started out in go-karts," he said. "I don't take it out all the time but I do on special occasions. I just want to show everybody how proud I am of my country."

Hinchcliffe, the only Canadian in the contest, started on the front row but was back to third place after the first corner.

"I was on the outside – and the outside is the preferred line for Corner 1 when it's wet – but James Davison (who started third) went in there a little too hot and I could see he wasn't going to make the corner and rather than cause a crash I backed off.

"He was able to get straightened out without hitting the wall so I tucked into third. It was the best I could do at that point."

It was Hinchcliffe's fourth podium of the season and while he wanted to do better, he was happy with third.

"It was a tough way to race, having to go from wet to dry tires. But all things considered, I'll take it. It's always good to race at home and be on the podium with your family and friends watching."

He finished 21 seconds behind Saavedra, who won from the pole position. His victory was very much a team effort.

All 18 cars started on rain tires – the track was still wet from yesterday morning's heavy thunderstorm – but soon had to stop in the pits for slicks as the sun came out and the circuit dried up.

Most of the cars – including all the leaders – pitted on Lap 7. Saavedra's pit crew was able to change the tires and get their driver back on course without him losing too much time.

However, the big move in the pits came from Hildebrand.

He started sixth but quick work on the tire change by his crew had him out in first place once racing resumed.

Saavedra, who exited the pits in second place, was not to be denied and passed Hildebrand several laps later on his way to winning by 5.86 seconds.

Hildebrand, though, continues to lead the series standings with Saavedra second and Mario Romancini of Sao Paulo, Brazil (who finished sixth) third. Hinchcliffe is sixth in the points race.