As we’ve hinted at over the winter, if Swede Felix Rosenqvist were to head Stateside for an Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season, he’d be considered a title contender even as a rookie.
He is, so he will be.
Rosenqvist has been confirmed with Belardi Auto Racing, in the team’s second car alongside Zach Veach.
He had his first test with the team at Homestead-Miami Speedway last month and led the timesheets, prior to heading back to Daytona for the Rolex 24 with Starworks Motorsport in the Prototype Challenge class.
“I’m really excited about racing in the US this year, and doing so with Belardi Auto Racing,” Rosenqvist said. “Testing went very well and I got to grips with the car pretty much straight away. I like the way the team operates, and the racing seems a lot of fun with a wide variety of circuits and pure driving. Racing on this side of the world will be very different to what I’m used to, but certainly a challenge I’m already relishing.”
“We’re thrilled to have a driver of Felix’s caliber to pair with Zach, as we were determined to provide him with a strong teammate,” added team principal Brian Belardi. “After winning the championship with Gabby (Chaves) in 2014, our whole squad has raised its game and our expectations and I’m confident that with these two talented young men in our cars, we’ll contend for both wins and the title itself. I’m very impressed with Felix and I’m excited for the season to begin.”
Rosenqvist hinted at his future plans earlier this week when he said he would not be in GP2 this season.
The signing brings the number of confirmed driver/team combinations up to 12, following the earlier double dip this week that Schmidt Peterson Motorsports had signed Santiago Urrutia and Team Pelfrey added Juan Piedrahita. More are expected soon.