Alpine 'evaluating Lundgaard options' with IndyCar switch

Lundgaard in IndyCar — Photo: © LAT Images

Alpine

Alpine 'evaluating Lundgaard options' with IndyCar switch

Alpine has Alonso and Ocon contracted until 2022 and 2023 respectively

Sam Hall

Monday 9 August 2021 11:30

Alpine Academy driver Christian Lundgaard will make his IndyCar debut with Rahal Letterman Racing at Indianapolis as Alpine 'evaluates different options for the next stage' of his career.

Alpine has Fernando Alonso contracted until the end of 2022 and recently agreed a new deal with Esteban Ocon to secure the Frenchman's future with the team until 2023.

With no customer team currently in F1, Alpine is looking at other options to aid the progression of its academy product.

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“IndyCar is a brilliant, competitive series with very strong contenders and we are excited to see how Christian converts this opportunity," said Alpine racing director Davide Brivio.

"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!”

Lundgaard, 20, is currently 12 in the F2 standings although finished seventh overall last year.

The Dane will compete on the road course at Indianapolis which runs largely on the infield of the iconic oval.

“I’m super excited to try Indy Car next week,” said Lundgaard.

“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."

With the course more typical of a European layout than one from America, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Bobby Rahal, expects Lundgaard to feel quickly at ease.

"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," he explained.

"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.”