PREMA Racing held a kick-off event on Friday afternoon, revealing more details of its upcoming debut in the NTT IndyCar Series in the 2025 season.
The team, which has raced in European open wheel competition for 40 years, is preparing to compete on American soil for the first time in less than two months’ time.
Personnel have been hard at work completing a new race shop in Fishers, Indiana, filling out the 100,000 square feet of space with all the tools, benches, and equipment needed to run at a high level.
PREMA gathered at a Chevrolet facility in North Carolina to reveal more details about the effort, including showing off the car’s livery and race suit designs for its two drivers Callum Ilott and Robert Schwartzman.
Both feature color combinations that are familiar to fans of the team’s European efforts, with red, green, and white making up the scheme.
“It’s just such an amazing family environment,” said Ilott, wearing his new race suit. “Such a special team to be a part of. They welcomed us back with open arms and now we’re here starting a new adventure.
“After the last 12 months, once I heard [the team’s intent to race in IndyCar], I knew they were going to make a statement in some way, shape, or form. Hopefully this is the first day we can show you what kind of statement we’re going to make.”
A new challenge
PREMA’s efforts have been supported by many in the IndyCar paddock including CEO Mark Miles, who was in attendance on Friday to help kick off the team’s efforts.
The team has been given simulator time on Chevrolet’s simulators and has been following the manufacturer’s advice in regards to setting up a process for collecting data and implementing changes in the power plant.
PREMA also announced that race-winning IndyCar driver Ryan Briscoe will take on the role of Sporting Director and will be advising the team managers, drivers, and engineers on how to get the most out of their relationship.
In addition, Romain Grosjean will serve as the team’s reserve driver. The Frenchman has been racing in IndyCar for the past four seasons, and will be able to provide valuable support to the team’s two car effort.
The presentation was done professionally, and appeared to be representative of the dedication that will be put into its IndyCar debut a short time from now.
The first race of the 2025 season, and the first race of PREMA’s foray into American open wheel motorsports, takes place on the streets of St. Petersburg on March 2nd.
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