F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Grosjean enjoys 'pump of adrenaline' maiden oval test

Romain Grosjean underwent his first IndyCar oval test this week at the World Wide Technology Raceway oval in Madison, where the Frenchman spent the day 'turning left'.

The Dale Coyne Racing charger took to the track for the crucial test with wife Marion and the couple's children looking on, and the high speed stint was actually the first time the latter had seen their Dad live in a racing car.

Grosjean is on a part-time deal with DCR, having initially agreed to run only on IndyCar's street and road courses. However, the former Haas driver has been tempted into an oval experience and will make his oval debut next month at the WWTR's 1.25-mile track.

©DaleCoyneRacing

Grosjean admitted that running all day and only turning left "feels a bit strange".

"Very different from everything I’ve been doing before," he said. "From only turning left, to having a car that wants to turn left on its own.

"But I must say the pump of adrenaline is really high. It’s fun. There’s a lot that I need to learn about it.

"So far, I’m really relying on my engineer telling me what to expect and (to) give me the best setups so I can build confidence."

At the end of the day, the former Grand Prix driver reckoned he had enjoyed a solid test.

"It’s going to be good," he said. "It’s just Tuesday, so I’m still processing a lot of information, but by the time we come back I should feel better and have better faith.

"It’s been so fun. It’s been smooth. I’m trying to take it steady and understand what the car is going to do for me."

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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.

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