Dean Stoneman Moves to America with Andretti Autosport
A gifted, young, inspirational driver, British racer Dean Stoneman confirmed his switch to Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tire competition in 2016 with Andretti Autosport. Stoneman was vice-champion of GP3 in 2014 before moving up to World Series by Renault in 2015. He also competed in several GP2 races.
Stoneman won the F2 Championship in 2010, and seemed destined for a future in Formula 1 before he was diagnosed with testicular cancer at only 20 years of age. After prevailing in a year-long battle with cancer, Stoneman returned to action full-time in 2013. Stoneman also tested for Andretti’s Indy Lights team in 2012 during his road to recovery.
“I’m delighted to be racing in the U.S. this year,” said Stoneman. “We have been looking at racing here for a while now and to have finally secured a seat with Andretti in Indy Lights is a fantastic move for me. This season will form the first step towards racing in the Verizon IndyCar Series. One of the motivating factors of coming here is the The Mazda Road to Indy program. Rewarding success and assisting progression to the next level of the sport is great and can make a huge difference to a driver’s long-term career in racing.”
Stoneman added, "I’m now just looking forward to joining the team this week for my first test in Phoenix. I can’t wait to sample ovals for the first time and rise to the challenges ahead. I know Andretti’s commitment to success matches my desire to win and be a competitive force in the series.”
FIA European Formula 3 Champ Rosenqvist Commits to Belardi Auto Racing
After topping the two-day test at Homestead-Miami Speedway at the end of January, Swedish driver Felix Rosenqvist announced he would be competing in Indy Lights in 2016 with Belardi Auto Racing alongside Zach Veach. Rosenqvist, 24, has won both the prestigious Masters of F3 race and the Macau GP during an accomplished career in F3 which was highlighted by his European championship in 2015. Rosenqvist is managed by former F1 and IndyCar driver Stefan Johannson, who has helped him secure his future in America.
“I’m really excited about racing in the US this year, and doing so with Belardi Auto Racing,” said Rosenqvist. “Testing went very well and I got to grips with the car pretty much straight away. I like the way the team operates, and the racing seems a lot of fun with a wide variety of circuits and pure driving. Racing on this side of the world will be very different to what I’m used to, but certainly a challenge I’m already relishing.”
2013 USF2000 Champ Scott Hargrove Joins Team Pelfrey for St. Petersburg
Scott Hargrove has confirmed that he will again start the Indy Lights season with a one-race deal with essentially the same team as in 2015. Hargrove competed for 8Star Motorsports in 2015 during the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, finishing fourth and sixth in the two races held. After 8Star’s offseason acquisition by Team Pelfrey, Hargrove will again compete in the Sunshine State with the goal of running the full season in Team Pelfrey yellow.
Hargrove, who was the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda champion in 2013 and the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires championship runner-up in 2014, is looking to translate that success to Indy Lights. He has shown pace in the Dallara IL-15, but has been unable to find the necessary funding to run full-time. Now he has another opportunity to move up to the final step on the Mazda Road to Indy ladder.
“I’m ecstatic about joining the new Team Pelfrey Indy Lights program,” said Hargrove. “It's clear that this is a team that knows how to win, and I’m very confident we’ll be competitive right out of the gate. After nearly a year out of the Indy Lights car, St. Pete will be a great reintroduction as it is one of my favorite tracks on the schedule and I’ve had success there in the past.
“There is no doubt in my mind I will run for the entire season. Every day, I’m gaining momentum, and it's just a matter of time until everything is in place and we can focus 100% on racing for wins and the championship.”
Dean Stoneman
