Russian Time GP2 team boss passes away - MotorSportsTalk

Igor Mazepa, the team boss of the GP2 Series’ Russian Time organization, has passed away unexpectedly at age 40. An official series statement said Mazepa died earlier this week.

In its first season in the championship, the Russian Time team won the Teams’ Championship with drivers Sam Bird and Tom Dillmann. Bird finished second to Fabio Leimer in the Driver’s Championship.

Here’s the official GP2 statement:

It is with deep sadness that GP2 Series organisers confirm the untimely passing of RUSSIAN TIME’s Team Principal Igor Mazepa earlier this week.

Mazepa who joined the GP2 paddock in 2013 led the Russian’s squad to the crown in their first year. His passion, kindness and enthusiasm will be truly missed.

GP2 organisers send their thoughts and condolences to his family and loved ones.

Additionally, Bird and Dillmann tweeted their thoughts and condolences.

Goodbye my friend, you will be missed.

— sam bird (@sambirdracing) February 5, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of my team boss Igor. He gave me a chance and I’ll never forget our season together

— sam bird (@sambirdracing) February 5, 2014

I’m absolutely shocked. We will all miss is enthusiasm. Thank you for everything, you can be proud. RIP Igor Mazepa pic.twitter.com/Z9Z72RZM7Q

— Tom Dillmann (@TomDillmann) February 5, 2014

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Santino Ferrucci will return to full-time racing in the NTT IndyCar Series next season, joining AJ Foyt Racing.

Ferrucci had made eight IndyCar starts with three teams since his last full-time season in 2020 while also racing part time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this year.

He will drive the storied No. 14 Dallara-Chevrolet for four-time Indy 500 winner A.J. Foyt’s team, which will field the car from its Waller, Texas headquarters.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be back in the INDYCAR Series full time,” Ferrucci said in a team release. “Being a part-time driver over the last two years has been hard for me, personally. I’m a race car driver, and I want to compete. Working with different teams has been exciting, and I’m proud that no matter which car I’ve raced, I’ve always shown speed and consistency. I couldn’t be more excited to join AJ Foyt Racing in the 14 Chevy. I can’t wait to make the best of it.”

Ferrucci, 24, had finished a career-best fourth in IndyCar four times, including the 104th Indy 500 in 2020. He was the 2019 Indy 500 rookie of the year with a sixth.

In nine Xfinity starts since 2021, Ferrucci has a career-best finish of 13th at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“I am thrilled to welcome Santino to the team,” Larry Foyt said in a release. “He’s shown a knack for getting toward the front of the field, and I think he is a racer who moves forward on race day. A.J. sees the fire in him and has enjoyed their meetings together. I think Santino’s experience will help his rookie teammate as well, so he is a great addition to our roster.”

Ferrucci will be teamed at AJ Foyt Racing with Benjamin Pedersen, who finished fifth in the 2022 Indy Lights standings. The team has yet to specify the number for Pedersen’s entry, which will be fielded out of its Indianapolis race shop.

Foyt’s two full-time drivers last season were Dalton Kellett and Kyle Kirkwood, who is moving to Andretti Autosport.