The Andretti name will return to the realms of
Formula One for the first time since 1993 after Honda confirmed they will give rising youngster Marco Andretti a test in one of the their cars at
Jerez next week.
Currently making waves in the
IndyCar Series at the wheel of the Honda-powered Andretti Green Racing car, the 19-year-old hit the headlines this year with a superb drive to second place in the
Indianapolis 500 at his first attempt, before scoring his first win at Sonoma and clinching the 'Rookie of the Year' title.
As such, he has earned a test with Honda at
Jerez in the final
Formula One test of the year where he will join team as they continue to evaluate their new Bridgestone tyres ahead of launching their new RA107 car next year.
Indeed, while Andretti admits he is fully focused on an immediate career in the IRL with his father Michael's team, he is delighted to have been offered the chance to impress, even if he admits it will be a challenge to learn the car and the unfamiliar circuit in one day.
“I am thrilled that Honda has offered me this incredible opportunity. 2006 was a fantastic inaugural year for me in the IRL and I look forward to fighting for the championship next season,” he said.
“However, as you would expect of any racing driver, when Honda offered me the chance to drive, I grabbed it with both hands - no hesitation! I can only imagine what an awesome experience this is going to be and I'm just going to take my time and enjoy every moment.
"I've said all along that I'm a racer," said Andretti. "I'll drive anything with a motor and this definitely ranks at the top of the list. I still have my sights set on the
IndyCar Series; there are still some things I need to accomplish. But to have the opportunity to put in some laps in an F1 car is an opportunity that you don't pass up and I have to thank Honda for that.
For former IRL star and current Honda sporting director Gil de Ferran, offering Andretti a test on the back of his impressive maiden season was just reward for his efforts and was looking forward to witnessing how the teenager acquits himself on his debut.
“We are delighted to have Marco join us in
Jerez next week for his first run in a
Formula One car. Marco has had an outstanding first season in the
IndyCar Series making a big impact at such a young age. As part of the extended Honda Racing family, it will be a great pleasure for us to give him the chance of his first experience of Formula One.”
