Andretti Autosport head into the NTT IndyCar Series season-opening Firestone Grand Prix presented by RP Funding on the streets of St Petersburg this weekend with two new drivers as Romain Grosjean steps up to a full-time drive in the No.28 DHL Honda.
Looking ahead to the start of the season, Grosjean said:
“We have a big year ahead as a team and having some experience in IndyCar will be important. I didn’t really know what to expect at the Sebring test, but the test went really well. It was great working with the crew, engineers and teammates as well. We have some things we can improve upon before St. Pete but I’m very happy with the first feel I got with Andretti. The goal is to win some races and score as many points as we can this year.”
Grosjean’s strategist, Olivier Boisson has joined the Frenchman from Dale Coyne Racing while his race engineer this year is Josh Frued.
Delvin DeFrancesco will make his NTT IndyCar Series race debut this weekend in the No.29 PowerTap Honda with Andy Liste suffering as his race engineer while veteran Andretti strategist Rob Edwards will serve as his strategist.
The team’s main aim is to win the championship and challenge for victory in the Indianapolis 500 in May.
| “I’m super excited to drive St. Pete this year. The IndyCar is amazing to drive. I think the brakes are the biggest difference between the IndyCar and the Indy Lights car at this track. I expect the IndyCar to be easier to drive over the bumps. The biggest challenge for me, I think, will be adapting to the reds and having to save fuel- things like that. It is a bigger, heavier car so a couple corners may be a little trickier. But all in all, I’m super excited for what’s to come.” |
Alexander Rossi in the No.27 NAPA Auto Parts AutoNation Honda retains Jeremy Milless as his race engineer while Brian Barnhart will serve as his strategist.
Speaking ahead of the race this weekend, Rossi says:
“Thrilled that the first race of the season is around the corner. We have a lot of confidence heading into St. Pete based on the pace we have had there in the past. I’m looking to show up this weekend and ignore all the noise and excitement of the season opener and focus on our jobs to make sure we execute on track. I think we have to take everything one weekend at a time, and we will see what this brings us.”
Colton Herta will be aiming to continue his momentum from last season and score back-to-back wins at St Pete and has Nathan O’Rourke as his race engineer while his dad and ex-IndyCar driver Bryan continues as his strategist.
“Super excited to be getting the season going. A new year and a new set of challenges. Me and the crew have a bunch of confidence going into this year. St Pete is always an exciting race with a track that’s quite hard to put a lap together. I can’t wait to get in my Gainbridge Honda and get things kicked off right.”
Andretti Autosport Chairman and CEO, Michael Andretti says:
“Opening the INDYCAR season in St. Pete is always something we look forward to. There is always a strong fan presence and the city makes a great hosting location for our partners. We have a great lineup across the eight cars we’ll have on track this weekend in Indy Lights and INDYCAR. The drivers and crews have all been working really hard in the off-season and are ready to get on track and defend our 2021 wins.”
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