Fittipaldi commits to IndyCar oval program with Dale Coyne Racing

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Haas F1 Team reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi will return to IndyCar outfit Dale Coyne Racing this season for a limited program that will unfold at all 2021 oval events, including the Indy 500.

Fittipaldi, who made his debut in the NTT IndyCar Series with Dale Coyne Racing three years ago, will take over the team's N°. 51 entry from teammate Romain Grosjean who will run on all road and street course races this season.

"I’m very happy to be racing the ovals this season in the No. 51 car for Dale Coyne Racing with RWR," said Fittipaldi.

"I’m especially excited for the Indianapolis 500. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid to race in the Indy 500.

"All of Dale’s cars were competitive there last year and the last few years, and we’re looking to do the same this year.

"I’m also very happy to be sharing the car with Romain (Grosjean). He’s a good friend of mine," added the grandson of F1 legend and two-time Indy 500 winner Emerson Fittipaldi.

"Over the years at Haas F1 we’ve become friends and it’s great to be teammates with him again.

"Coincidentally the No. 51 is the same number I used in my Formula 1 debut last year so it’s a nice coincidence to have.

"I’ve worked with some of the guys at Dale Coyne Racing in the past so I’m happy to be working with them once again. I’m sure we’ll able to do great things. I’m really looking forward to it!"

Read also: Haas confirms Fittipaldi as test and reserve driver for 2021

Fittipaldi's IndyCar schedule will include two races at the Texas Motor Speedway on May 1/2, the Indianapolis 500 on May 30 and a round at the World Wide Technology Raceway at Madison, Illinois.

"We enjoyed working with Pietro in 2018," commented team owner Dale Coyne.

"It's unfortunate that his season was shorter than planned, so it’s great to be able to give him another chance to do some races in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and that he has another chance to participate in the Indy 500 and fulfill one of his childhood dreams.

"We look forward to seeing him share our #51 entry alongside his former Haas F1 teammate Romain Grosjean, it gives us a strong line up for our full-time entry,” said Team Owner Dale Coyne."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.