Andretti Green Racing used the Mosport American Le Mans Series weekend to confirm that James Rossiter will make a third start in the team's XM-backed Acura in next weekend's Detroit Sports Car Challenge round at Belle Isle.
A third race extends the Briton's role as co-driver to Franck Montagny after outings at both Road America and Mosport, and makes him the most 'successful' partner for the Frenchman after both Marco Andretti and Raphael Matos both made single appearances between commitments in other series. The duo combined for a strong effort in the Generac 500 at Road America two weekends ago, only for contact with a slower car to end their hopes of a class win, and will start from fifth on the grid in Sunday's Mobil 1 Grand Prix of Mosport.
"We've been very impressed with James so far in his short time with the team," co-owner Michael Andretti commented, "He is fast and has provided us with great feedback. There seems to be good chemistry between Franck and James, both in and out of the car, and they both fit in really well with the team. We really believe that consistency in the driver line-up is the most important thing for the XM team right now, so we're glad James can make another start for us at Belle Isle."
Rossiter had precious little sportscar experience before being plucked from the sidelines to make his American Le Mans Series debut at Elkhart Lake, but is keen to extend his deal with AGR beyond Detroit if possible.
"I've really enjoyed my time with Andretti Green in the XM Acura thus far, and feel that Franck and I have been a good compliment to each other in the car," said the former Honda and
Super Aguri F1 test driver.
"We've shown the type of speed that it takes to win these races, and now we just need a bit of luck to land on our side. I know the Belle Isle course will be new to both Franck and I, but I'm confident we will be up to the task."
Montagny joined AGR after it decided to dispense with the services of veteran pilots Christian Fittipaldi and Bryan Herta midway through the 2008 campaign but, despite the Frenchman showing good pace in practice and qualifying, the team has yet to match LMP2 rivals Penske and Highcroft in terms of results.
