Robert Shwartzman heads to the USA: Ferrari’s third driver takes on a new challenge with Prema
After just one year in the WEC, driving the AF Corse #83 Ferrari, Robert Shwartzman switches categories once again, joining IndyCar. This will mark the Russian driver’s debut in the American series, and it’s a special one, as he teams up with his second sports family, Prema, who is also entering its first year in the championship.
This announcement also puts to rest the rumors that Logan Sargeant would be joining IndyCar with the Grisignano di Zocco-based team. Shwartzman will partner with Callum Ilott, the 2020 Formula 2 vice-champion, a season in which Mick Schumacher claimed the title.
Statements of the key figures
Team Owner Rene Rosin shared his thoughts on Prema’s official website: “We are extremely delighted to welcome Robert back to the PREMA family. We have had exceptional seasons together, winning a lot of races and the 2019 FIA F3 title, and we also thoroughly enjoyed working with him. He is an extremely talented driver, and I think that by working together, we will be able to overcome the steep learning curve that lies ahead of us. I cannot wait to see him compete under the PREMA banner alongside Callum once again.”
Piers Phillips, CEO of Prema’s new IndyCar project, expressed his excitement as well: “Having completed our line-up is a major step forward as we continue to prepare for our first INDYCAR season. Robert has a very impressive resume and has been competitive everywhere he went, from single-seaters to GTs and prototypes. We think his skills and versatility will help him considerably, and will also help our team to learn faster and be more efficient. We look forward to getting started with Robert, Callum, and Chevrolet as soon as possible.”
Finally, Robert Shwartzman shared his own thoughts: “I’m definitely very, very excited to be back at PREMA to start a new adventure in INDYCAR. Everything will be new to us, and there will be many challenges, but it will also be a lot of fun and a lot of work at the same time. I think a very successful future lies ahead for us. INDYCAR is a very competitive series, with so many strong drivers, and I’m looking forward to the racing, as it looks really cool. I have never driven on ovals, and mastering them will be a completely new challenge.”
“However, we achieved a lot with PREMA in the past, and I think that my F1 and Endurance experience will help us to develop quickly and get up to speed”, concluded the Russian driver.
Photo: Prema Racing