F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vandoorne and de Vries set for Sebring IndyCar tests

Works Mercedes Formula E drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries will enjoy an IndyCar test outing at Sebring in early December.

Vandoorne is earmarked for a run in Florida with Arrow McLaren SP as part of the team's evaluation programme for 2022 and the prospect of adding a third entry in the NTT IndyCar Series.

As for reigning FE champion de Vries, the Dutchman will take to the track on the same day as Vandoorne, but with the Meyer Shank Racing-Honda outfit.

MSR co-owner Mike Shank, who called de Vries "a stand-out and rockstar" said the team is testing the 26-year-old FE charger to "cover" all its options for the future.

©ArrowMcLaren

“We’re always looking to the future, no matter what our current driver situation is," Shank told Motorsport.com.

"We keep an eye on who’s out there, who’s performing well and thinking about what are needs are going to be.

"We’re continually building and evolving our team and from my perspective at least, Nyck is a guy that is really a stand-out, a rockstar. Formula 2 champion, Formula E champion…

"Is it a potential move for us? I don’t know, but I’m going to make sure that as we move forward we’re covering ourselves. He could be in a sportscar, he could be in an IndyCar – we just want to see what he’s about, and so we’ve had this test scheduled for a while."

If Vandoorne and de Vries' tests at Sebring International Raceway prove successful with their respective teams, Mercedes may have a conundrum on its hands as it will rely on both drivers next season to cap off its final year in Formula E, preferably with a second title.

They may therefore be restricted by Mercedes to test next year or indeed race in IndyCar if an opportunity comes their way.

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Michael Delaney

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