Marco Andretti's guest drive

IndyCar driver Marco Andretti joined the Honda Racing F1 Team in Jerez on Friday for his first drive in an F1 car. The team offered the opportunity to Marco to drive the RA106 race car in recognition of his achievements in the Honda-powered IndyCar series this year.

Marco began running shortly after 9am with an installation lap, followed by several short runs to familiarise himself with the car and get used to the controls. He completed 33 laps before the morning session came to a close.

Marco was back on track at the start of the afternoon session and continued to steadily improve his lap times as he completed a further 35 laps for a total of 68 laps today.

“First of all I couldn’t have had more fun today and it’s a shame that it was only a day! It took me a little while to get used to the traction control and the brakes but once I got to grips with them, the times were more and more consistent. I would like to say a big thank you to the Honda Racing F1 Team on how professional and welcoming they have been this week, and I’m sure that they will have a good season next year.”

“It’s been great to have Marco with the team and in the car today. He did a good job and acclimatised himself well to the unfamiliar surroundings in the very short time that a one-day test provides. Marco looked comfortable straightaway with the car and the track, and overall it was a good first experience in a Formula One car. ”