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Romain Grosjean will take the start of the Long Beach Grand Prix from sixth place
Romain Grosjean says he owes Dale Coyne and Rick Ware “something big” for giving him a chance to race in the IndyCar Series.
The Frenchman has had an exceptional year in the top single-seater class in North America, winning a pole position and two second places in his debut campaign.
It follows a period of ups and downs in Formula 1 for the 35-year-old, who, along with Haas, went without a podium for the previous five years and ended his time there in flames.
Grosjean quickly embarked on the IndyCar Series, bringing Dale Coyne Racing his first pole position since 2018 in what was only his third race in the category.
Now, the triple podium in the IndyCar Series is expected to move the teams of Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing to the famous Andretti Autosport in 2022.
This is what motivated Grosjean to end the season in style this weekend in the streets of Long Beach where he will start sixth.
“I wanted to give them [the team] a pole to start today, I hope for a victory tomorrow, â€said Grosjean.
“It was a wild trip. The last year for me has been absolutely amazing, from the accident in Bahrain, to the recovery of my hands, to the return in a race car, to the pole position, to the podiums, to the signing with one of the best teams. of the world.
” What a journey. Without Dale this wouldn’t have happened, and so would Rick Ware, so I owe them something big. “
Grosjean is currently 15th in the standings and is up for rookie of the year, a battle he is fighting with Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin.
Starting sixth, Grosjean is well placed to fight for this title while McLaughlin will line up 13th on the grid.
“It’s a bit bittersweet I would say,” said the former Formula 1 driver of this morning’s qualifying (AEST).
“Fast 12, we went really fast. I had a big one-second margin. I’m happy to be in the top six. It’s my first time in Long Beach so it’s really good. Nice trail.
“We didn’t start the weekend with a very good car and we made very good progress so I’m happy with that. I look forward to the race.
“When you run by the sea and the beach, it creates a great atmosphere. I’m excited for tomorrow.
The Grand Prix of 85 laps of Long Beach takes place Monday from 5:30 am (AEST).
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