By: Spencer Neff
February 3, 2021

This morning, longtime Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean confirmed a switch to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing announced that Grosjean will drive the team’s No. 51 entry on the road and street courses during the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity to race in the United States in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” Grosjean exclaimed.

“I had different options in front of me for this coming season and choosing to go IndyCar Racing was definitively my favorite one. Although, I’m not ready yet to take on the ovals! IndyCar has a much more level playing field than what I have been used to in my career so far. It will be exciting to challenge for podiums and wins again. My left hand is still healing, but we are just about ready to get back into the race car and to start this next chapter of my career.”

A driver for the oval portion of the schedule will be announced at a later date. Last week, the teams also introduced their partnership with the announcement of an additional entry (No. 52) for select events.

Grosjean has competed in 180 grands prix over the past 12 seasons, with a best finish of second (Canada 2012 and US 2013).

Most recently, he was involved in a fiery crash during the opening lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix in November. Despite the massive impact and burns to his ankles and hands, Grosjean walked away. In December, he underwent surgery for his injuries.

“We’ve been talking to Romain for some time now, even before his accident at Bahrain,” Team Owner Dale Coyne noted in today’s announcement.

“He has shown interest in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for the past several months and we’re very happy that he has chosen to pursue his career with us and excited to welcome a driver with his pedigree to America, the Series and our team. We feel that he’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the Series.”

Grosjean will race along with Ed Jones at DCR, who was announced as the driver of the No. 18 entry in partnership with Vasser-Sullivan last week.

After beginning their partnership at the Indianapolis 500, Rick Ware Racing continues their expansion into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

“We’re thrilled to be entering our first full season of NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing with Dale Coyne Racing, and to have a driver of the caliber of Romain Grosjean to run the street and road courses makes it that much more exciting for us. We’re looking forward to this season,” Team Co-Owner Rick Ware commented.

Grosjean and Jones will test at Barber Motorsports Park on February 22, per today’s release.

Header Image By Dale Coyne Racing with RWR