Half a hundred IndyCar starts, Grosjean’s 50 races in figures

On the occasion of its 50th IndyCar race, AUTOhebdo retraced the career of Romain Grosjean on the other side of the Atlantic which began in 2021.

Published on 29/04/2024 à 12:34

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Half a hundred IndyCar starts, Grosjean’s 50 races in figures

Without driving in F1 at the end of the 2020 season, which he had to prematurely end due to his accident in Bahrain, Romain Grosjean decided to try his luck several thousand kilometers away. Where the Formula 1 rather takes a back seat. Thus, the Habs packed their bags for the United States, beginning a new adventure: that ofIndyCar.

Three years after his arrival in Uncle Sam's country, Romain Grosjean has just reached the mark of 50 races contested during the Alabama Grand Prix at Barber this Sunday. The opportunity for us to retrace the journey of the current Juncos Hollinger Racing driver.

Barber 2021-Barber 2023: 50 races with ups and downs

Romain Grosjean's adventure began on this same circuit where he celebrated his half-century. At the time, it was the first race since his accident a few months earlier in Bahrain. A great first at the end of which he won 10^e place under the colors of Dale Coyne Racing.

Romain Grosjean in 2021 before his first IndyCar start. ©IndyCar Media

The first burst of brilliance came from his third appearance, on the road to Indianapolis. Spectator of the double-header on the Texas oval a few days earlier because he was engaged in a partial program, the Frenchman took pole position before finishing 2^e the next day behind Rinus VeeKay for his first podium.

Since then, Romain Grosjean has made his way. There has not yet been a victory unfortunately despite great opportunities, especially when he was with Andretti (2022/2023), but the former Renault won two more pole positions (Saint Petersburg and Barber in 2023) and 5 additional podiums (Indianapolis Road and Laguna Seca in 2021, Long Beach 2022/2023, and Barber 2023).

Concerning the Indy 500, after skipping it in 2021, he tackled the ogre in his second season in 2022. Alas, he never saw the checkered flag suffering each year from a accident. During his first, he made a good impression by making it to the last stage of qualifying for a 9^e final place.