Formula 1 prospect set to make IndyCar debut at Indy

Formula 2 driver and Alpine Academy member Christian Lundgaard is set to make his IndyCar debut in this Saturday’s race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

The 2021 IndyCar season has already seen quite a few drivers make their series debuts, including several from the world of Formula 1, and that list is set to grow by one in Saturday afternoon’s Big Machine Spiked Coolers Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

Christian Lundgaard, the ART Grand Prix Formula 2 driver and member of the Alpine Academy, is set to drive for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in this event. He tested for the team at Barber Motorsports Park late last month.

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The 20-year-old Dane is set to pilot the #45 Honda in this 85-lap race around the 13-turn, 2.439-mile (3.925-kilometer) road course in Speedway, Indiana. The #45 Honda has been fielded in five of the season’s first 11 races for Santino Ferrucci, a former Formula 2 driver himself. He finished between sixth and 11th place in all five of those starts.

Here is what Lundgaard had to say about this opportunity in a team release.

"“I’m super excited to try INDYCAR next week. 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.”"

Here is what team co-owner Bobby Rahal had to add.

"“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. 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.”"

Finally, here is what Alpine F1 Team Racing Director Davide Brivio had to say.

"“INDYCAR is a brilliant, competitive series with very strong contenders 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!”"

Formula 1 prospect set to make IndyCar debut

By Asher Fair | Aug 10, 2021

Formula 2 driver and Alpine Academy member Christian Lundgaard is set to make his IndyCar debut in this Saturday’s race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

While Lundgaard is considered a potential future Alpine Formula 1 driver, an IndyCar ride for him in 2022 is not out of the question.