Romain Grosjean, after his tests on the 500 Miles Indianapolis circuit: « On an oval, I have to learn everything »

Romain Grosjean rode for the first time on the Indianapolis 500-mile circuit, Wednesday, during a compulsory test session to validate his participation in the next edition in May 2022. At the end of a first season in IndyCar , at Dale Coyne Racing, where the Frenchman mainly participated in races on urban or road circuits (he nevertheless competed in the one on the Gateway oval, where he finished 14th), the former F1 driver recalled that he was only at the beginning of his apprenticeship on the oval.

“The sensations on the oval are new to me, even though I have already done a race, did he declare. I just feel like I’m not particularly comfortable. It’s not like road or city circuits, on which I know what to do and I know how to progress. Here I have to learn everything. « 

According to the imposed schedule, the now driver Andretti Autosport had to complete ten laps between 205 and 210 mph (330-338 km / h), 15 laps between 210 and 215 mph (338-346 km / h) and 15 laps above 215 mph (346 km / h). He had almost finished the last session when the rain started. But IndyCar officials said Grosjean passed a conclusive test, as did American Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR champion, who will make his IndyCar debut next year. Both will have the opportunity to finish their remaining rounds in April.

Grosjean, who had initially decided not to ride on an oval, for safety reasons, reconsidered his choice: “You can’t be in the top 10 if you don’t do all the races. They really want me to fight for the Championship, they want me up front and I’m comfortable with that decision. «