Prema announce move into IndyCar with new two-car team in 2025

One of Europe’s top motor racing teams outside Formula 1 has announced it will compete in the IndyCar series next year.

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Prema will establish a base in Indiana to run a full-time two-car operation in America’s leading single-seater series. It has agreed an engine supply deal with Chevrolet.

“Today’s announcement marks a pivotal moment in the history of Prema Racing,” said team principal Rene Roisin. “Making the step to the NTT IndyCar series and competing in the world-famous Indianapolis 500 is a dream coming true for our family and everyone involved in our business.

“We have tremendous respect for IndyCar, its unique challenges and sensational history, and we look forward to being part of it.”

The new IndyCar team will be headed by CEO Piers Phillips, who has previously worked for Schmidt Peterson (now McLaren) and Rahal Letterman Lanigan. Guillaume Capietto has been named as technical director.

Prema has enjoyed success in many junior categories and is the squad of choice for many Formula 1 teams looking to prepare their young drivers for promotion to the top flight. Ferrari’s Oliver Bearman and Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli race for them in Formula 2, while their Formula 3 cars are driven by Red Bull’s Arvid Lindblad, Alpine’s Gabriele Mini and another Ferrari Driver Academy member, Dino Beganovic.

The team has previously competed in other series including the World Endurance Championship. However few European teams have attempted to tackle the highly competitive IndyCar series. Prema’s former rivals Carlin (now Rodin) joined the championship between 2018 but bowed out after 2021.

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“While competing in IndyCar will not be easy we are determined to put in our best effort, learn as quickly as possible and become leading contenders right from the start,” said Roisin. “The desire to fight for victory is our driving force, and the thoroughness of the challenge will give us even more motivation to succeed.”

He said moving into the championship “will be beneficial for Prema Racing and its people, producing amazing learning opportunities and know-how transfer.”

“We want to thank IndyCar for the warm welcome and Chevrolet for supporting this project,” he added. “We cannot wait to start operating in our new Indiana shop and get on track as soon as possible.”

Prema’s arrival will further swell IndyCar’s already packed field unless other teams leave or down-size. The series has 27 full-time entries this year.

IndyCar president Jay Frye said Prema’s “global reach and extraordinary presence in open-wheel racing” will make them “a great addition to our growing and highly competitive paddock.”

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18 comments on “Prema announce move into IndyCar with new two-car team in 2025”

Alesici
9th April 2024, 14:20

I don’t understand why they didn’t just borrow £5,000,000,000 and immediately created a race-winning F1 team. It’s the next step up the FIA ladder for them.

I for one welcome them to the best racing series on the planet, which they’ve just made even better.

Dex
9th April 2024, 14:39
Because they wouldn’t be voted in? Because F1 is no longer a world championship, but in name? I wish…
1. kuvemar
  9th April 2024, 18:39
  Why is F1 no longer a world championship? Are drivers/teams from any countries excluded?
  1. Gerrit
    9th April 2024, 20:15
    It is not an open competition where anyone can enter. Hence not a true “world” championship. Max Verstappen is F1 champion, not a “world” champion. F1 is a closed shop in regards the right to enter the championship and any closed shop cannot have a label “world” champion if membership is limited to 20 drivers.
    1. Jay
      9th April 2024, 21:41
      World Driving Champion!
      World Constructor Champion!
  2. Asd
    9th April 2024, 22:18
    “Are drivers/teams from any countries excluded?”
    Yes, literally ALL existing teams in the world are excluded. NOBODY can get it. NOBODY.
2. MichaelN
  9th April 2024, 22:30
  The only standard an FIA series must meet to use the title World is that it has races on three or more continents and has four participating manufacturers. Asia and Europe count as two, though I’m not sure America is seen as one or two.
  1. baasbas
    10th April 2024, 8:02
    Nonsensical thread.. You’re treating this the same as NBA champions calling themselves world champions
    1. Asd
      10th April 2024, 10:58
      “You’re treating this the same as NBA champions calling themselves world champions”
      All the best basketball players in the world play in the NBA. And those who don’t are free and welcome to sing for an NBA team.
      So the NBA champions have a case in calling themselves world champions, even though on paper they shouldn’t.
      Wheares, F1 is a closed private club. Andretti – can’t join why? Scott Dixon – the 6 time IndyCar World Champion – has no chance being signed by a F1 team, whilst Lance Stroll – a nobody – drives in his 8th F1 season.
    2. baasbas
      13th April 2024, 9:22
      @Asd
      I don’t understand. Your comment just underlines my statement more?
  2. baasbas
    10th April 2024, 8:03
    (oops, not specifically a reply to MichaelN)
Don
9th April 2024, 14:40
They have a chance to race in the most exciting series, and win the worlds biggest race. I’ve always wondered why more F1 teams don’t get involved in addition to McLaren.