The conditions, though, remained tricky and, with the safety car still on track, Bourdais dropped the ball. Typically, the Frenchman was able to get off lightly, the #1 car bouncing through the gravel trap at the final corner before rejoining down in eleventh place, Doornbos now promoted to the lead. At the same time, however, Tracy's car quit under him, the engine smoking visibly, and the full course caution was extended, with Bourdais taking the opportunity to pit for the first time.
Europeans dominated the front of the pack when the race returned to green, with Doornbos heading Wilson, Clarke and Jani before Graham Rahal upheld home-grown honours, but the overseas contingent was to be reduced by one within five laps of the restart as Clarke slowed dramatically. The Briton wasn't even able to get his car back to the Minardi Team USA pit, pulling off at turn six to lick his wounds after another unfortunate exit while well placed.
Ironically, it was only another lap or so before the pace was reduced again, this time for the first of three on-course stoppages for Alex Figge. The field circulated in one long line while the rookie was towed to pit-lane, giving the leaders chance to make a dive for fuel and tyres, promoting Rahal to the lead.
With the sun making a welcome re-appearance overhead, slicks were again the order of the day, but the weather gods continued to play tricks, with the next shower just a couple of laps away. This time, Power was the one to be caught out, spinning at turn five, but the conditions also provided some close racing for the enthusiastic crowd as Pagenaud dived down the inside of Wilson, only to see the Briton fight back further around the lap. Indeed, Wilson was suddenly inspired, also passing Bourdais for second, with Pagenaud attempting to find a way around his friend and countryman.
