Pietro Fittipaldi, who substituted for the injured Romain Grosjean in the final two Formula 1 races last year, will drive his IndyCar in four events this year.
Grosjean previously confirmed he will not participate in the four oval races on the 17-round IndyCar calendar. His Coyne team announced today Fittipaldi will replace him at those events.It marks a return to the series for Fittipaldi, who started six races for Coyne in 2018. His season was disrupted when he broke his leg in a crash during a World Endurance Championship round at Spa.
Fittipaldi will make his first start in the double-header weekend at Texas Motor Speedway at the beginning of May. Grosjean will return to the car for the following event on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway grand prix circuit, but Fittipaldi will drive the car for the series’ blue riband race, the Indianapolis 500.
His only appearance in Grosjean’s number 51 car outside of May will come when IndyCar visits the Gateway oval in August for the 14th round of the championship.
Fittipaldi said he’s “especially excited for the Indianapolis 500”, which he was unable to take part in three years ago due to his injury.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid to race in the Indy 500. All of Dale’s cars were competitive there last year and the last few years, and we’re looking to do the same this year.”
“I’m also very happy to be sharing the car with Romain,” Fittipaldi added. “He’s a good friend of mine. Over the years at Haas F1 we’ve become friends and it’s great to be teammates with him again.”
“Coincidentally the number 51 is the same number I used in my Formula 1 debut last year so it’s a nice coincidence to have. I’ve worked with some of the guys at Dale Coyne Racing in the past so I’m happy to be working with them once again. I’m sure we’ll able to do great things.”
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
IndyCar
- Palou leads Ganassi charge with McLaren in pursuit – but many more could win
- McLaren reveals special ‘Triple Crown’-inspired livery for Monaco Grand Prix
- “Bittersweet moment” for Rahal as he replaces injured Wilson on Indy 500 grid
- Wilson ruled out of Indy 500 due to back injury sustained in crash with Legge
- Wilson taken to hospital but “doing well” after Monday practice accident
bosyber (@bosyber)
4th March 2021, 14:51
Well, with Grosjean not doing the ovals, can understand that, esp. after scare his family had last year, seems good deal for everyone to get Fittipaldi driving the ovals, get him some more race experience and race fitness, nice.
MEGATRON M12 (@megatron)
4th March 2021, 19:21
Grosjean will crash and Fittipaldi will get more ra es then he is already signed up for. Fittipaldi is smart to follow the crash wreckage of grosjean, free races under his belt. Grosjean is a threat to himself and anyone else near whatever racetrack he is competing in.
Max
4th March 2021, 23:04
If you compare the two drivers at the same age Pietro doesn’t hold a candle to Grosjeans credentials and not to mention Gro doesn’t have a family name within racing he made it on his own Merit, Pietro is a good driver but if his talent matched his family name he would already have a top seat somewhere
M7878 (@m7878)
4th March 2021, 23:16
I know they’re buddies but I feel like he’s riding the coattails of Grosjean lately