Alexander Rossi is feeling exceptionally motivated with the amount of rising American talent in IndyCar, as he prepares to make his debut in the series in 2016.
Despite initially being in contention for one of the vacant seats at Manor in Formula 1, Rossi was confirmed in IndyCar with Bryan Herta Autosport earlier this month.
Rossi will compete in all rounds of the 2016 IndyCar season, and due to Bryan Herta’s partnership with the Andretti Autosport outfit will compete alongside Carlos Munoz, Marco Andretti and Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Rossi will be one of three official American rookies in 2016, alongside fellow former GP2 racer Conor Daly and 2015 IndyLights champion Spencer Pigot.
“I think being a part of that group is great for the series and it's great for American open-wheel racing in general,” said Rossi.
“To have young guys come through that are eager to show what they're capable of and to push, I think that they really are the future of the sport.
“So to be able to be a part of that group and to prove ourselves in a series with as much depth and competitiveness with the experience of guys that are here is a great thing. I think it's going to be a very exciting season for all of us.”
Although pre-season testing is in full swing ahead of the season-opener at St. Petersburg, Rossi has been unable to partake in testing around the Phoenix International Raceway.
He will instead gain his first taste of IndyCar machinery at the Sebring test next week, which will mean his first experience of oval racing will not come until the first oval race weekend at Phoenix in April.
Rossi has stated he will enter his first oval experience with an open mind, and will rely on the wealth of experience around him with the likes of Bryan Herta and his engineer Tom German.
“I'm excited about it [oval racing],” continued Rossi. “I mean, it's a whole new experience and a new journey, and I don't really know what to expect.
“I'm going into it with a completely open mind and I’m just going to rely on the experience that I have around me, not only in Bryan and Michael but in my three team-mates as well.
“Obviously they've had a lot of time on ovals and have been very successful, so I have a very good platform and a lot of very smart people to rely upon in order to be able to come out of the box in a strong position.”
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