Briscoe still perplexed by dud set of tyres

Ryan Briscoe and his Penske team are still mystified by the bizarre tyre issue that almost certainly cost him a podium - and even a win - in the Indianapolis 500.

Sydney's Briscoe pitted for new tyres during a caution period and led the field at the restart. But he slipped back swiftly and alarmingly, his fresh tyres simply not working.

"We're not sure what the problem was yet," Briscoe toldWheelsmag.

"I just couldn't turn the car with that new set. Bummer. Pressures were good and all looks normal. Firestone is investigating it."

Briscoe finished 15th.

Generously, good-guy Briscoe praised his Penske teammates, winner Helio Castroneves and fellow-Australian Will Power, who was a superb fifth.

"Helio did great and I'm happy for him. Will did great too."

Castroneves's joyous, tearful victory just weeks after his acquittal of serious tax evasion charges was a script out of Hollywood.

I'm betting he didn't stick his Indy prize-money into a Panama bank account...