IndyCar – A surprise test for Pietro Fittipaldi at Sebring

The name fittipaldi has shone in the past in IndyCar Series. Double world champion F1 in 1972 and 1974 with Lotus then McLaren, Emerson reoriented his career towards the United States and the CART series in the mid-80s before winning the title in 1989 with Penske Racing, as well as two successes at the Indy 500 in 1989 and 1993.

Although he did not win a title in CART in the 90s, Christian, nephew of Emerson, won two victories in the championship before successfully turning to Endurance, including two victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona (Florida).

During the past week, it is Peter, grandson of Emerson, who had time for a trial with Dale Coyne Racing, continued the Fittipaldi story in the American championship.

While runs were planned in Indy Lights with Juncos Racing, the last Formula V8 3.5 champion in 2017 was able to try his hand at driving Sébastien's No. 12 DW18 Bourdais in Sebring (Florida).

“This opportunity was a surprise, indicates the 21-year-old driver on the discipline’s website. I came just to watch the IndyCar test and then I got to drive the car. This was done the night before.

I didn't have my seat but I adapted in the car. I went out today in the morning and really liked the car. There is so much grip when braking with the carbon brakes.

It's a bit similar to the car of FV8 3.5 but the IndyCar one, of course, has more power. It's a bit weird, as if it were an FV8 3.5 mixed with a F3 because you can maintain a lot of speed in the corners.

I really liked it. It's a test, but of course my dream is to be in IndyCar, in Formula 1. It's been my dream since I was little. »

Dale Coyne Racing was also able to test Claman de Melo during these tests, and could well entrust the second car of its team to two drivers alternating during the season.