Alexander Rossi joins Andretti Autosport to drive #98 Honda in IndyCar Series

American Alexander Rossi, who finished second in 2015 GP2 Series and participated in five Formula One races with Manor, will drive full 2016 season in IndyCar Series for Andretti Autosport. 24-year old Rossi will drive #98 Honda, alongside three Andretti’s drivers from the previous season – Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti and Carlos Munoz.

Rossi will make the transition from the Formula 1 to IndyCar during rookie test day on March 1 at Sebring International Raceway. The car number 98 recently joined Andretti’s garage as a result of a merger between Bryan Herta Autosport and Michael Andretti’s team. Herta will serve as the race strategist for Rossi in the combined team effort while racing veteran Tom German will serve as the lead engineer.

Alexander Rossi dreamed about Formula One future, but in season 2016 he will compete in IndyCar Series

2016 IndyCar season will start on March 13 in St.Petersburg

“I’m very much looking forward to making my IndyCar Series debut this season and am proud to be racing with a team of such high calibre and pedigree as that of Andretti Autosport. As a racer through and through, I cannot wait to get startedour goal is to be competitive immediately at the first race in St. Petersburg,” said Rossi.

“We’re really excited to have Alexander join the team. His credentials speak for his ability and we’re confident he’ll transition seamlessly into IndyCar racing. It’s neat to have the last three American F1 drivers in 25 years to be under one roof, I think it speaks to the level of talent we have,” said Andretti Autosport CEO Michael Andretti. Michael Andretti along with Rossi and Scott Speed, who currently competes for Andretti’s Global Rallycross team, make up the last three American-born drivers to compete in Formula 1.

The 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series championship goes green on March 13 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. 2016 IndyCar calendar consists of 16 races – six on street circuits, five on road courses and five at ovals. Andretti Autosport will field four full-season Honda entries with Rossi in #98, Ryan Hunter-Reay in #28, Marco Andretti in #27 and Carlos Munoz in #26.

Photos: Flickr/Alexander Rossi