Australian IndyCar driver Will Power was left frustrated after losing an early lead in the Long Beach Grand Prix to a victorious Takuma Sato, who claimed Japan’s first-ever win in the US open-wheel series.

Sato crossed the line first on Sunday after leading 50 of 80 laps in the No.14 car for AJ Foyt racing.

“This is just amazing,” said Sato, who finished ahead of Graham Rahal in second.

“It was just a perfect weekend to be honest.

“The team did a tremendous job. Pit stops, right calls, the power was great, and I was comfortable in the car and able to push everything.”

Sato started from fourth on the grid and overtook Ryan Hunter-Reay for second place on lap 23.

He assumed the lead on lap 30 when race leader Power pitted under a caution.

But the Australian, who won last year’s race at Long Beach, failed to regain his spot up front after Frenchman Tristan Vautier collided into the side of his car as he was coming into pit road.

Although Power seemed to escape major damage, the incident capped off an already difficult afternoon for the Penske driver who had struggled on his primary tyres during the middle phase of the race.

“(It was a) frustrating day out there for the Verizon car, we had a car that we thought was good enough to win today,” Power said.

“Sato was very strong and he really dominated out there.

“Obviously we didn’t have the start out there that we wanted and broke traction which hurt us.

“We didn’t lose much in the points which is a good thing but certainly we could have had a much better day.”

It was the 52nd IndyCar start for Sato, who switched to IndyCar in 2010 after seven years in Formula One.

His previous best finish was second at Edmonton in 2012.

“It is great news for the Japanese,” Sato said.

“Japan has had such a tough time after the earthquake (in March 2011). I’m really happy to give everybody some good news to wake up to because it’s very early Japanese time.”

Sato held off all challengers and led Rahal across the finish line under caution after Brazil’s Tony Kanaan slid into a tyre barrier on the first turn of the 79th lap.

England’s Justin Wilson finished third – after starting 24th.

Franchitti, who started from pole, and J.R. Hildebrand, rounded out the top five.

“Takuma made it look too easy,” said team director and race strategist Larry Foyt.

“It made me so nervous watching it out there. He just drove a flawless race. I’ve never seen a race like that. Just a perfect race. It just all came together.”

Sato became the third different driver to win in as many races this season, joining Canadian James Hinchcliffe and Hunter-Reay.

He moved into second place in the championship standings, six points behind Brazilian Helio Castroneves.

Power sits 37 points off the overall lead in eighth.