In the round-up: Despite being rejected by Formula 1, Andretti say they still intend to broaden their motorsport portfolio by entering the series.
In brief
Andretti still seeking F1 entry
Andretti Global has ambitions to add more than just F1 to its existing roster of championships, which includes IndyCar, Formula E, IMSA and Extreme E.
“We’re the only ones that compete in the amount of series that we do,” said president JF Thormann. “And then the ambition that Mike still has – we still have to close the loop obviously with Formula 1, that’s well-documented – and hopefully NASCAR. Then we’re going to have a race virtually every weekend and it’ll keep our name out there and keep us busy.”
Although the FIA approved Andretti’s application to enter F1 last year, Formula One Management turned them down. It said the team, run by the son of 1978 world champion Mario Andretti, wasn’t sufficiently well-known to add interest to the series.
Thormann said his experience of working for the team is different. “A lot of times when I travel if I have the branding on, the amount of people that will actually ask and say ‘do you work for the Andretti race team, is it Mario, is it Michael?’ You realise the power of the name and how recognised it is. It represents that hard work, Mario’s story of coming over with just their shirt on their backs. It’s just pride to to wear that.”
Chadwick handed IndyCar test
Multiple W Series champion Jamie Chadwick will test for Andretti’s IndyCar team next month. Chadwick, who scored her first victory in Indy Nxt at Road America in June, will drive one of their cars at Barber Motorsport Park.
“The Indy Nxt field is really competitive this year and what Jamie has been able to do is a testament to the level of skill and potential she has,” said Michael Andretti. “We believe in rewarding hard work and results and are excited to give her this opportunity.”
Ex-Schumacher Ferrari F2001B on sale
The Ferrari F2001B which Michael Schumacher used to win the first race of the 2002 season is being offered at auction and is expected to fetch up to $10 million (£7.78m). The car was based on the 2001 design, incorporating some elements of the F2002 which wasn’t ready in time for the first races of the season.
After his win in Australia, Schumacher took the same chassis 215 to third place at the Malaysian Grand Prix, following which the team introduced the F2002.
Fanatec owner insolvent
Endor, owners of the Fanatic simracing wheel brand, filed for insolvency yesterday. “As part of the insolvency proceedings, we will continue the restructuring and work at full speed to reorganise the company,” said CEO Andres Ruff. “We are confident that we will emerge stronger from this situation and return to a sustainable, profitable growth path.”
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Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Jack Lenox!
On this day in motorsport
- 25 years ago today Mika Salo handed victory to title-contending team mate Eddie Irvine in the German Grand Prix. Irvine failed to win the championship, and Salo never took an F1 win.