Tatiana Calderón: “My priority is to return to IndyCar”

Tatiana Calderón, unfortunately you will not participate in the round ofIndyCar this weekend in Toronto. Can you explain to us why?

It was a difficult decision, both for me and for the team (AJ Foyt Racing. Editor's note), which was due to late payments from the main sponsor (ROKiT). We don't have the means to race this weekend with the No. 11. It's a difficult situation, I hope all parties can find common ground for the next race (Newton, July 23. Editor's note). If not, we will do our best to find another sponsor mid-season, but this will not be an easy task. I hope I can come back.

What about the end of the season for you?

Everything is unclear at the moment. My goal is to find a solution with the team to allow me to finish the season. I've made progress, and it's important to continue learning the circuits for next year. I'm very happy to be racing here in the United States and in IndyCar and we want to put a two-year program in place. It is difficult to be a rookie in such a tough championship, without a lot of testing or in-depth knowledge of the tracks. It all seems a bit compromised now. We remain open to opportunities in other disciplines, particularly in Endurance with my two years of experience with the Richard Mille Racing Team, but my priority is to return to IndyCar.

This comes just when you seemed to be finding your rhythm...

This couldn't have come at a worse time. The championship returns soon to Indianapolis (Gallagher Grand Prix, July 30. Editor's note), a circuit that I now know, and will then go to permanent tracks like Portland (September 4) or Laguna Seca (September 11), where I am more more comfortable than in the city. We were doing really well at Mid-Ohio, but unfortunately we had a problem with the car (abandonment). What is happening to us has in no way impacted the involvement of the team who gave everything they had.

Was the adaptation to IndyCar more difficult than expected?

You never really know what to expect. I knew it was going to be difficult, but it was definitely a huge physical challenge to be able to do so many laps without power steering, in the heat of the aeroscreen. It's truly beyond anything I've ever experienced. I'm happy to have shown my progress, especially during my last race where I could fight against some guys.

Tatiana Calderón (Action Sports INC)

How do you judge your season?

Taking into account certain factors that some people do not know, such as my late commitment to IndyCar (Tatiana Calderón only signed up for this season at the beginning of January. Editor's note) which meant that we were not able to carry out as many tests than the other teams, I think I did a good job. I would have liked to have had more races to show my progress, but I really enjoyed driving in this championship, being challenged in every race. I know I still have room for improvement.

You were a spectator at the Indy 500, is it a race that you want to discover next season with the ovals?

Indianapolis is comparable to Le Mans, with a very special atmosphere. The whole city lives for this event. I really liked this place, and I would really like to come back. For now, I need to focus on my current situation, but I'd really like to give it a try.

Will we see the No. 11 Chevrolet on the track again this season? (Action Sports INC)

Il y a certaines rumeurs au sujet d’AJ Foyt Racing avec la deuxième Porsche en LMDh en IMSA next year. Could participation in the 24 Hours of Daytona interest you if this is confirmed?

I did the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2020 (with a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo from Gear Racing powered by GR Grasser in the GTD category. Editor's note), I loved this race and its atmosphere. I would love to have the opportunity to go back.

The first echoes around the ROKiT situation appeared when the departure of Sébastien Ogier of the Richard Mille Racing Team was becoming clearer. Have you considered returning to your old team to finish the season?

I have heard some rumors about it, but there has been no contact. I have had a great relationship with the Richard Mille Racing Team and would love to come back in the future if they offer me.

Can we see you in another discipline by the end of the year if the current situation does not improve?

For now, we're taking it day by day. I would like to drive by the end of the season, ideally in IndyCar, but if not we will look elsewhere.

ALSO READ > Tatiana Calderón absent in Toronto due to ROKiT