Calderon signs up for partial IndyCar program with Foyt

©AJFoytRacing

Former Alfa Romeo F1 development driver Tatiana Calderon will enjoy a partial IndyCar program with in 2022, the Columbian contesting the series' road and street courses with AJ Foyt Racing.

Calderon's ROKiT-sponsored machine will be run by Foyt alongside the outfit's entries of full-time rookies Dalton Kellet and Kyle Kirkwood who will tackle all IndyCar rounds.

"I’m thrilled and very thankful to Jonathan Kendrick, ROKiT and AJ Foyt Racing for the opportunity to race in the NTT IndyCar Series," commented the 28-year-old racer.

"Ever since I started my single-seater career in the United States 11 years ago, IndyCar has been a reference for me and it’s a dream come true to be on the grid this year!

"I can’t wait to get to St Petersburg for the first race of the season! I’m well aware of the challenge ahead, but this is the chance of a lifetime and I’m keen on making the most of it."

Calderon, who has raced in the past two seasons in the Japanese Super Formula championship and in the WEC with Richard Mille Racing Team, tested with Foyt last summer at Mid-Ohio, and the outing obviously impressed team boss Larry Foyt.

"I’m thrilled with the continuation and expansion of the ROKiT AJ Foyt Racing Team," said Foyt.

"We welcome Tatiana Calderón in car number 11 joining Kyle Kirkwood in car 14, both in the very cool ROKiT liveries. Tatiana showed a lot of potential in her test at Mid-Ohio. With Dalton Kellett in the No. 4 K-Line Insulators Chevrolet, I think our three-car team is in for an exciting season.

Read also: McLaren looking to hand IndyCar's O'Ward FP1 outings

Calderon's path to IndyCar started in karting in her native Columbia before she moved to single-seaters in 2011, first racing in the US and then in Europe where she eventually joined the junior ranks of GP3 before stepping up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2019.

In 2018, Calderon joined Sauber's driver development program, undergoing in the following years several private tests at the wheel of older-specification F1 machinery.

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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.