Beyond the Flag
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IndyCar: Five possible replacement candidates for Takuma Sato in 2018

By Asher Fair

FORT WORTH, TX - JUNE 09: Takuma Sato, driver of the #26 Andretti Autosport Honda, practices for the Verizon IndyCar Series Rainguard Water Sealers 600 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 9, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TX - JUNE 09: Takuma Sato, driver of the #26 Andretti Autosport Honda, practices for the Verizon IndyCar Series Rainguard Water Sealers 600 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 9, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) /
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BUENOS AIRES – FEBRUARY 18: Robin Frijns (NLD), Amlin Andretti, Spark-Andretti, ATEC-02. (Photo by LAT Images / Formula E via Getty Images)
BUENOS AIRES – FEBRUARY 18: Robin Frijns (NLD), Amlin Andretti, Spark-Andretti, ATEC-02. (Photo by LAT Images / Formula E via Getty Images) /

Robin Frijns

Robin Frijns is currently a full-time driver in the relatively new Formula E series, which is the FIA’s Electric Street Racing Series. Frijns has driven in the series for two full seasons, doing so for Michael Andretti’s team in both seasons.

Frijns tested the #28 Andretti Autosport Honda IndyCar regularly driven by Ryan Hunter-Reay at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course last summer during his first Formula E season with Amlin Andretti. Michael Andretti was actually concerned that he would end up impressing rival IndyCar teams during the test.

"“This kid is really good and he may really open some eyes for an another IndyCar team, which we don’t want to happen…I know he has talent so that is not the question. We just wanted to give him the chance and see how he does and how he likes it and gets along with the rest of the team.”"

Frijns was, indeed, impressive in his test, as his fastest time of the test session ended up being just 0.18 seconds slower than the fastest time of the earlier session by Ryan Hunter-Reay, the full-time driver of the #28 IndyCar.

"“I enjoyed it a lot; it was the first car with downforce I’ve driven in a few years since Formula 1, and I only drove that car three times with it. I always told myself I enjoy downforce cars more, so I’m thankful to Michael for the opportunity…It’s not my decision, but I would love to race one day in IndyCar. Let’s wait and see what Michael’s going to do.”"

Given the fact that Amlin Andretti has not been very successful as a whole in Formula E, Frijns’ results in his two seasons there show he could be worth the gamble in IndyCar. He has finished 20 of his 22 Formula E races, doing so in the top 10 on 12 occasions with a career-high finish of 3rd place in just his second career race in the series back in the 2015-2016 season.