One of Europe’s top motor racing teams outside Formula 1 has announced it will compete in the IndyCar series next year.
Prema will establish a base in Indiana to run a full-time two-car operation in America’s leading single-seater series. It has agreed an engine supply deal with Chevrolet.
“Today’s announcement marks a pivotal moment in the history of Prema Racing,” said team principal Rene Roisin. “Making the step to the NTT IndyCar series and competing in the world-famous Indianapolis 500 is a dream coming true for our family and everyone involved in our business.
“We have tremendous respect for IndyCar, its unique challenges and sensational history, and we look forward to being part of it.”
The new IndyCar team will be headed by CEO Piers Phillips, who has previously worked for Schmidt Peterson (now McLaren) and Rahal Letterman Lanigan. Guillaume Capietto has been named as technical director.
Prema has enjoyed success in many junior categories and is the squad of choice for many Formula 1 teams looking to prepare their young drivers for promotion to the top flight. Ferrari’s Oliver Bearman and Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli race for them in Formula 2, while their Formula 3 cars are driven by Red Bull’s Arvid Lindblad, Alpine’s Gabriele Mini and another Ferrari Driver Academy member, Dino Beganovic.
The team has previously competed in other series including the World Endurance Championship. However few European teams have attempted to tackle the highly competitive IndyCar series. Prema’s former rivals Carlin (now Rodin) joined the championship between 2018 but bowed out after 2021.
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“While competing in IndyCar will not be easy we are determined to put in our best effort, learn as quickly as possible and become leading contenders right from the start,” said Roisin. “The desire to fight for victory is our driving force, and the thoroughness of the challenge will give us even more motivation to succeed.”
He said moving into the championship “will be beneficial for Prema Racing and its people, producing amazing learning opportunities and know-how transfer.”
“We want to thank IndyCar for the warm welcome and Chevrolet for supporting this project,” he added. “We cannot wait to start operating in our new Indiana shop and get on track as soon as possible.”
Prema’s arrival will further swell IndyCar’s already packed field unless other teams leave or down-size. The…
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