Alexander Rossi is hoping to take part in a practice session for most of the remaining grands prix on the 2014 Formula 1 calendar following his move to Marussia.
The American F1 hopeful parted company with Caterham earlier this month, appearing to dent his hopes of moving up to a full-time seat in the sport in the future. However, he is delighted to have swiftly jumped ship to Marussia, with whom he hopes to enjoy more running.
“This past week has been very difficult for a lot of reasons, a lot of changes have gone down,” he explained to NBCSN. “I left Caterham about ten days ago, did a GP2 race with a different team in Germany, and now here we are in Budapest back in the Formula 1 paddock with Marussia. I’m really thrilled to be here, so thankful for the opportunity, and I can’t wait to be in the car.
“It came about quite quickly if I’m honest. When I announced my departure from Caterham, we got a phone call from Marussia kind of within 48 hours, and they expressed an interest in having me as part of the team, and it became about making it work and trying to make it happen.
“It was something quite good for me, and there’s a possibility I might be back in that car. however, the focus is now to be back in the F1 car as soon as possible.”
Rossi said that he is hoping to run in most of the free practice one sessions until the end of the season for Marussia, replacing either Max Chilton or Jules Bianchi each time.
“The plan is to do the majority of them from here on out,” he explained. “I’ll be missing this one unfortunately due to just the timing of everything. Obviously the announcement just came out about ten minutes ago so to get a seat made and to get into the car for tomorrow is impossible, but definitely I’ll be in the car for Spa.”
Rossi also confirmed that he will be definitely taking part in practice for the United States Grand Prix, meaning that there will be an American running in an F1 car at the Circuit of the Americas later this year.
“That was kind of my biggest fear more than anything, was the fact that when we left Caterham, if there wasn’t another F1 team on the table that I wouldn’t be able to drive in Austin and I wouldn’t be able to be an American on the grid,” Rossi revealed. “That weighed heavily on me, but now that this deal is done, that’s definitely going to be my highlight again and I can’t wait to go back.”
