Andretti to drive Lotus at Austin

18/10/2012

The legendary Mario Andretti is to take to the Circuit of the Americas tarmac next month in a 2010 Lotus, joined by actor Patrick Dempsey and Jerome D'Ambrosio.

All three will all complete demonstration runs behind the wheel of the Enstone team's 2010 challenger - the R30 - during the circuit's official opening ceremony on Sunday October 21.

1978 world champion Mario Andretti will formally cut the ribbon to open the track by driving the opening laps of the circuit, in what will be his first time behind the wheel of a contemporary Formula 1 car since he last competed in the sport in 1982.

Dempsey - known internationally for playing the character Dr. Derek Shepherd in TV drama Grey's Anatomy - will take to the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the first time. Dempsey - who is an ambassador for Lotus F1 Team Official Partner Trina Solar - is a keen motor sport enthusiast who has contested a number of races in different categories, including racing at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Finally, d'Ambrosio - who contested this year's Italian Grand Prix for the team when he deputised for Romain Grosjean - will also conduct demonstration laps at the event, which takes place four weeks ahead of the United States Grand Prix; marking the return of F1 to the USA after a five year absence.