09/08/2021
NEWS STORY
Alpine Academy protege, Christian Lundgaard is to make his IndyCar debut at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course next weekend.
The Danish driver, who is currently in his second full season in F2, recently tested an Indy car for the first time with the team at Barber Motorsports Park.
Lundgaard is a member of the Alpine Academy, and in June tested the (Renault) RS18 at Silverstone, his fifth outing in an F1 car.
"We were very pleased with the job that Christian did at our recent test at Barber Motorsports Park and are looking forward to seeing him perform at Indianapolis Motor Speedway," said Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with David Letterman and Mike Lanigan. "It's going to be a new experience and a big challenge due to the lack of practice time compared to other races. The road course is very much like European circuits given that it was designed for Formula 1 and Grand Prix races, so I think it will be less of an issue than going to one of our more traditional IndyCar race tracks. Given the lack of test time and practice time, we don't have any grand expectations of him other than to go out and do a steady job and go from there."
Lundgaard is looking forward to competing on the 14-turn, 2.439-mile Indianapolis road course, having visited the track when he was in Indianapolis for a seat fitting in July.
"I'm super excited to try Indy Car next week," he said. "I've been very fortunate so far in my career to drive some incredible race cars and I'm looking forward to officially adding IndyCar to that list. In preparation for this race, I tested the car and it felt pretty awesome and I'm sure it will feel even better at a race weekend in race conditions alongside all the hugely talented drivers in the field. There's been a lot of work to make this happen and prepare as best as possible and I'm feeling ready for the challenge. I've actually watched all IndyCar races this year, so to be given the chance to line up on the grid is amazing.
"There will be a lot to learn in a short space of time but trying something new excites me. I can't thank enough Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Alpine, my sponsors and investors for supporting me with this opportunity. It's a unique chance and I can't wait to give it my all."
"IndyCar is a brilliant, competitive series with very strong contenders," said Davide Brivio, Alpine F1 Team Racing Director, "and we are excited to see how Christian converts this opportunity.
"Christian remains an important part of the Alpine Academy as he has shown huge promise throughout his junior career. Now, two seasons into FIA Formula 2, we are evaluating different options for the next stage, but for this particular moment we are just focusing on the present; enjoy a different type of car and environment, work hard and deliver on track.
"I'm sure Christian will enjoy it, and I can't wait to see the race!"