Andretti confirms Grosjean for 2022 IndyCar season

©Twitter/RomainGrosjean

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As widely expected, Andretti Autosport has confirmed that Romain Grosjean will race with the front-running IndyCar outfit in 2022.

Grosjean has enjoyed an impressive rookie year in the US series with Dale Coyne Racing, the former Haas driver scoring three podiums during his maiden campaign in America.

The French driver's results quickly put him on the radar of Andretti Autosport, where Grosjean will replace long-standing AA charger Ryan Hunter-Reay alongside regular drivers Colton Herta and Alexander Rossi.

"I’m delighted to be joining Andretti Autosport and driving the No. 28 DHL Honda for next season," said Grosjean.

"It’s a big honor to be joining such a great team as Andretti – anyone in the motorsport world knows the name Andretti.

"I’m super happy and proud to be racing with the team. I’m also very proud to be representing with DHL. I’ve known the DHL colors on racing cars for a very long time.

©DaleCoyneRacing

"I couldn’t be more proud to represent such a great company in IndyCar. I’m hoping that we are going to be very successful together, which is our aim on every side.

"I would like also to thank Dale Coyne Racing for giving me the opportunity to join IndyCar.

"I’ve enjoyed the racing so much and it’s given me the chance today to be racing with one of the most competitive and best teams in the world."

Read also - Grosjean: Fighting for podiums in IndyCar 'definitely a revival'

Grosjean only took part in one oval event this year with DCR, but it's assumed that the 35-year-old's transfer to Andretti will involve a full schedule in the NTT IndyCar Series, with five oval races included in the series' 2022 program.

"We are thrilled to welcome Romain to the Andretti Autosport family," said team CEO and Chairman Michael Andretti.

"He already had an impressive resume before coming to IndyCar, and watching what he’s been able to do in his rookie season here has been exciting to say the least.

"His vast motorsport experience will be beneficial to the team alongside our already-strong 2022 driver lineup. We also couldn’t be more excited to continue our strong partnership with DHL.

"The DHL sponsorship is one of the longest and most successful in the paddock, and we look forward to continued success on and off the track."

The 2021 IndyCar championship will conclude this weekend in Long Beach, with drivers - Alex Palou, Pato O'Ward and Jozef Newgarden - in the running for the title.

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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.