INDYCAR: 'I enjoy downforce cars more' - Frijns

Tuesday, 26 July 2016

Marshall Pruett
Robin Frijns gave his Andretti Autosport team plenty to think about after spending a half-day in Ryan Hunter-Reay's No. 28 Honda Indy car at Mid-Ohio. The Dutchman, 24, had never seen the track or turned a lap in a Dallara DW12, yet came within 0.18 seconds of matching the best time set by RHR during the cooler morning test session.

Andretti's FIA Formula E driver, who rose up the European open-wheel ranks and reached Formula 1 as a test driver with Caterham in 2014, made a compelling case for future consideration within Andretti's IndyCar operation.
"I enjoyed it a lot; it was the first car with downforce I've driven in a few years since Formula 1, and I only drove that car three times with it," Frijns (pictured) told RACER. "I always told myself I enjoy downforce cars more, so I'm thankful to Michael for the opportunity.
"It was my first time seeing the track and driving the car, and Ryan did the first 10 laps with new tires and did a good lap time. Then I jumped in and was straight on the pace. The second and third outings were good with the tires I had on, so we put a new set on and I almost matched Ryan's time. He's a very good driver, so it was a good benchmark to have."
The combination of high temperatures and the heavy physical expenditure that comes from driving an Indy car at Mid-Ohio took its toll on Frijns, although as he tells it, the lack of driving aids and power steering wasn't a bad thing.
"It was a bit physical for me because it has been a while since I drove a downforce car," he said. "Like anyone, your body has to get used to it for one day and the second day would be fine – but I only had one day. It was a new experience; I was used to all the buttons and stuff [in F1], but here, the driver has to do everything himself in the car, which is a bit more of my style.
"The engine has good sound, which is different from Formula 1 today. I liked it a lot. I had a lot of fun with the team and they are very passionate about racing. I was very comfortable with the team and the car."
Frijns is coming off a solid debut season with the Amlin Andretti Formula E program (below) and has signed to return next season. It leaves guest appearances as the only option for the immediate future and, given the chance, he'd welcome racing for his team owner in multiple series.
"I signed to do a Formula E season with Andretti again next year, so that's the first goal to fight for the championship and win races, and if an IndyCar race comes along, that would be a bonus," he added. "It's not my decision, but I would love to race one day in IndyCar. Let's wait and see what Michael's going to do."