Felix Rosenqvist has signed for Chip Ganassi Racing, one of the most successful teams in the history of American motorsport, in a move that will see the Swede make an exciting IndyCar Series debut in 2019.
Rosenqvist will drive Ganassi’s #10 NTT DATA Honda in a full-season assault on America’s premier single-seater championship, lining up alongside five-time and reigning IndyCar champion Scott Dixon at the famous team.
Rosenqvist becomes the first Swede to race in IndyCar since Kenny Bräck – an ex-Ganassi driver – in 2005.
“To say I’m thrilled or excited to be making this step in my career would be an understatement,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “Coming to IndyCar and driving for Ganassi is a dream come true. I’ve followed the team for as long as I can remember, and it’s the kind of environment any driver would want to be in. To get this chance alongside a proven, multiple championship winner such as Scott Dixon is just an incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to start contributing to the team and getting to spend more time with everyone at NTT DATA.”
Rosenqvist has tested with Chip Ganassi Racing on two previous occasions, in 2016 and 2017, impressing the team enough to sign up the 2015 Formula 3 European champion and two-time Macau Grand Prix winner.
“Felix has become familiar with our team after coming over to test with us on a few occasions,” says Chip Ganassi, team owner. “Our management and engineering groups, along with the entire team, were impressed by his ability. The time was right to get him in the No. 10 car and I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that we are looking forward to seeing what he can do behind the wheel next season.”
Featuring a wide variety of circuit types that comprise ovals, street tracks and road courses, the 2019 IndyCar calendar is set to encompass 17 races between March and September.
The Big One: Rosenqvist to line up in Indy 500
Among the events pencilled in is the 103rd running of the famous Indianapolis 500, to be staged on May 26. Chip Ganassi Racing have won the blue-riband race, part of motorsport’s Triple Crown, on four occasions – and the overall IndyCar title eight times.
“To be on the grid in next year’s Indy 500 is something that’s still sinking in,” Felix Rosenqvist continues. “It will be an incredible experience and to line up on the Brickyard with one of the top teams is a surreal feeling. IndyCar as a whole is gaining a lot of momentum at the moment and I simply can’t wait to get down to work behind the wheel.”
Rosenqvist, a multiple race winner in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship across the last two years, contested a successful part-time campaign in the IndyCar-supporting Indy Lights series in 2016, winning three races at St. Petersburg (Florida) and Toronto (Canada) – both street circuits.
The IndyCar Series is one of the leading racing championships of the world, pitching top drivers from throughout the globe against each other in a spectacular display of driving skill and versatility.
Rosenqvist’s debut in the series will take place on March 10, 2019.
FURTHER INFORMATION
IndyCar Series
Chip Ganassi Racing