Rossi confirmed at Andretti-Herta Autosport for 2017
The winner of the 100th Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar’s Rookie of the Year Alexander Rossi has agreed terms to remain with Andretti-Herta Autosport next year.
Photo by: IndyCar Series
The ex-Formula 1 racer and GP2 championship runner-up finished 11th in the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series championship, but scored one of only two Honda victories with a classic strategic fuel gamble, guided to the flag by co-owner Bryan Herta.
Said Rossi: “What an incredible eight months this has been, from getting the opportunity to join the Verizon IndyCar Series in February, to winning the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 in May and now re-signing with Andretti Autosport.
“I am incredibly proud and grateful to be able to have the opportunity to work with a team of this caliber as we chase after more race wins and continue to make our mark in this amazing championship. I want to thank Michael [Andretti], JF [Thormann], Bryan [Herta] and Honda for the faith and trust they have in me to put the Andretti name at the front.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us and we are already completely focused on being back at the sharp end of the grid where we belong.”
Team owner Michael Andretti commented: “Alexander showed tremendous growth this year and we are excited to welcome him back to the team. In his first IndyCar season, Alexander was able to form trusting relationships with the team’s engineers, mechanics and his teammates and that itself is a great foundation to begin 2017.
“We also know he is competitive and can win races. Continuity plays a big role in the success of our programs and being able to confirm that Alexander is remaining with the team is incredible. His extension, along with Ryan [Hunter-Reay] and Marco’s [Andretti] continuance is a promising factor for not only the team, but the series as well.”
Herta, who also renewed his deal with Andretti, stated: “Knowing that Alexander will be returning to the #98 car provides us with the stability and continuity we need to strive for even higher results
“Last season showed great progress, and I could not be more excited about our prospects moving forward. Last year we were late in the game putting our deal together. This winter we are focused on the season ahead, the continuation of our successful partnership with Andretti Autosport, and seeing Alexander become a consistent winner in the Verizon IndyCar series.”
Art St. Cyr, President of Honda Performance Development, commented: “We are extremely pleased that Alexander Rossi and Andretti Autosport have chosen to continue their partnership,” said. “That combination gave all fans of Honda Racing a lifetime thrill with its victory in the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
“Alexander's further development in winning IndyCar Rookie of the Year honors was one of the highlights of the 2016 season. We are confident that we can look forward to many more such thrills as a result of the extension of this agreement.''
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