And what about skill, nerve, courage, luck, weather?
One report I heard on the radio is that Patrick would wear out the tires on her Mustang real quick. That is not good in Indy driving -- but that was when she was a teenager...
Fuel has to weigh alot more than the driver, so saving fuel will mean fewer pit stops.
Both tire wear and smart driving (to save fuel) are factors that make a top driver (in my opinion).