Long-time F1 driver Romain Grosjean will be driving in IndyCar for the upcoming 2021 season, and has described the details of the move and why he’s so eager take on the new challenge of American open-wheel racing.
Grosjean will be piloting the #51 entry for Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing at this year’s road and street courses, which comprise 13 of season’s 17 events.
The 34-year-old revealed that there are many reasons why a move away from the sport in which he’s driven for the past 10 years was appealing, including the desire for a more driver-focused formula and a chance to take on some of the famous tracks he’s only been able to drive in video games.
When asked by motorsportweek.com what brought him to IndyCar versus some of the other top-tier series such as Formula E, his answer was straight to the point.
“Sexiness,” replied the Frenchman frankly. “It’s the most fun, exciting and competitive option I could think of right now. As I say, I’m super happy to be joining.”
“After the accident [in Bahrain], there’s one thing I realize in life, is to have the choice to say no or yes. Really, I think IndyCar is a top series, top drivers, top cars, super exciting to drive.
“Will Power posted on Twitter a nice video from the helmet, testing in Sebring. Hearing the sound of the engine and watching the onboard, I just took the clip, sent it to my wife and said, ‘This is why I do it.’
“I felt like this is what I want to do. This is what I want to race. It looks mega. Let’s do it!”
Grosjean described how the plan came together with Dale Coyne, with the two having conversations as early as late October. The discussions went well and both parties remained excited about the potential partnership as the details were sorted out.
In particular, Coyne pointed to his new driver’s extensive experience with simulator work as a key strong point that will help the team grow in the upcoming year.
Ever since the deal seemed likely, Grosjean has fully embraced the IndyCar switch and has been doing as much research as can over the winter months. This includes everything from talking with fellow French driver Simon Pagenaud to get tips about how the weekend structure works, to watching old races replays posted online.
“I have been watching 18 hours and 36 minutes of IndyCar racing over the last couple of months,” said Grosjean, who laughed while pulling up his viewing history.
“Mid-Ohio 2018 I watched recently. Sebastien Bourdais had an issue in qualifying and started in the back of the field. He came back like a bullet from the gun and finished sixth just behind Scott Dixon.
“He started on the black tire, went for the reds, just came back from the back. That’s not something you’re going to see in Formula 1 unless Mercedes qualified in the back, which never really happens. That was great to see.
“Yes, I think the excitement comes in the fact that in Formula 1, after turn one, you normally know what’s going to be the race result just because you know the pace of the car. Some things can change, but nowhere as much in IndyCar.
Grosjean also revealed that his injured left hand is recovering really well, and he does not expect it to be a hindrance in his upcoming driving duties.
His first time behind the wheel of a race car since his huge accident will be at his first IndyCar test at Barber Motorsports Park on February 22.
Before the first race of the season in mid-April, Grosjean will have only four days of testing to get used to his new office. That challenge, however, is not stopping him from pushing for good results from the outset.
“I think we can be competitive. I am not coming just to be entering IndyCar. But I’m entering knowing that I’ve got many things to learn. We’re ready to tackle the challenge and to learn as fast as we can.
“Let’s see where that brings us.”
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