(BSS/AFP) - Spain`s Alex Palou produced a tactical masterpiece to bag his fourth IndyCar win in five races with a dominant victory at the Grand Prix of Indianapolis on Saturday.

Palou used a clever tire change strategy to eventually reel in Graham Rahal, who had led for 49 laps after sweeping past the Spaniard at the first turn on the 2.4-mile road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The victory followed Palou`s wins at St. Petersburg and Thermal and last week`s victory at Alabama, and leaves the Chip Ganassi Racing driver firmly in control of the championship standings.

Palou, who is chasing a third consecutive drivers title, leads the standings with 246 points, a whopping 95 points clear of his nearest rival, Andretti Global`s Kyle Kirkwood.

"I cannot describe the amazing season we`ve had so far," the 28-year-old from Barcelona said after clinching victory.

"I owe everything to the team chief Ganassi, my teammates and everybody that is working behind the scenes to make me look so fast on the track.

"It`s amazing. It`s unbelievable."

Palou will now turn his attention to the jewel in the crown of the IndyCar season, the Indianapolis 500, on May 25.

"Hopefully we`ll get to stay (on the podium) again in a couple of weeks for the biggest race of the year," Palou added.

Palou took the chequered flag 5.48sec clear of Arrow McLaren`s Pato O`Ward, with Team Penske`s Will Power finishing third, 8.45sec adrift of the lead. Rahal eventually finished in sixth place.