INDYCAR STAR MARCO ANDRETTI TO DRIVE HONDA RA106 IN JEREZ
IndyCar Series 'Rookie of the Year' Marco Andretti will experience
a Formula One car for the first time courtesy of the Honda
Racing F1 Team when he joins the team's test in Jerez next
week.
The team has invited Marco to drive its 2006 RA106 race car
on Friday 15 December, the final day of its scheduled test,
in recognition of his achievements in the Honda-powered IndyCar
Series this year. The 19 year old recently completed his first
season in the IndyCar Series, driving the #26 NYSE car for
Andretti Green Racing. A superb 'rookie' year saw Marco finish
second in the 2006 Indianapolis 500, capture his first career
victory at the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma and finish the season
in seventh position overall in the drivers' standings. Marco
was further honoured with the Bombardier Rookie of the Year
Award and the Rising Star Award.
Marco is the son of two-time IndyCar Series championship-winning
team owner and former CART champion Michael Andretti, and
the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti. He is also team-mates
at Andretti Green Racing with Brazilian Tony Kanaan, who also
experienced a drive in a Honda F1 car in December 2005, Scotsman
Dario Franchitti and Danica Patrick.
Marco will join the Honda Racing F1 Team in Jerez for the
final test of 2006 as the team continues its winter development
programme and evaluation of the new Bridgestone Potenza tyres
in preparation for the launch of the new RA107 car early next
year.
Marco Andretti commented, "I am thrilled that Honda
has offered me this incredible opportunity. 2006 was a fantastic
inaugural year for me in the IRL and I look forward to fighting
for the championship next season. However, as you would expect
of any racing driver, when Honda offered me the chance to
drive, I grabbed it with both hands - no hesitation! I can
only imagine what an awesome experience this is going to be
and I'm just going to take my time and enjoy every moment."
Gil de Ferran, Sporting Director at the Honda Racing F1 Team
said, "We are delighted to have Marco join us in Jerez
next week for his first run in a Formula One car. Marco has
had an outstanding first season in the IndyCar Series, making
a big impact at such a young age. As part of the extended
Honda Racing family, it will be a great pleasure for us to
give him the chance of his first experience of Formula One."
|
