“I’m very happy for finally being able to actually experience an Indy Racing car”– The time when former three time world champion left F1 for IndyCar by driving for Team Penske at the Firebird Raceway

Janmeyjay Shukla | 30/12/2021
"I’m very happy for finally being able to actually experience an Indy Racing car”– The time when former three time world champion left F1 for IndyCar by driving for Team Penske at the Firebird Raceway

Ayrton Senna along with Emerson Fittipaldi took part in an IndyCar test with Team Penske at the Firebird Raceway, Phoenix in December 1992.

However, many people assumed Senna’s test was only a ruse to gain an advantage in his contract discussions with McLaren. After all, Penske had already finalized its driver lineup for the coming season.

“If Senna was available, we’d have tried to figure something out” – Roger Penske aimed to sign Senna for his team. Yet if they had an actual chance, Roger Penske would’ve gone all out on him.

“I think he was using us as may be somewhat of an impact against the McLaren guys at that point to try and get his deal put together, which we certainly understood. If Senna was available, we’d have tried to figure something out.” Penske said

With only 24 laps around the relatively small and unknown circuit, he demonstrated his class and talent. Senna quickly caught up to the two cars after initially struggling with the differences between them.

Also Read: Former four-time world champion wants F1 to stick with its traditional methods

Senna expressed his delight at the new enduring adventure by stating: “The car behaves in a very particular way, but the sensation, the feeling, is great. I’m very happy for finally being able to actually experience an Indy Racing car.”

“One day I’ll drive this car, it’s just a matter of time,” he said.

A dream that could not capitalize and a roaring comeback to Formula 1

Unfortunately, Senna’s IndyCar career never really took off as he signed on with McLaren for his final season in 1993, but lost the championship to his adversary, Alain Prost driving for Williams. He then switched to Williams for 1994 but sadly passed away in the same season at Imola.

Also Read: Carlos Sainz in love with the Prancing Horse as he looks to cement his status as a Ferrari great

That doesn’t negate the significance of the few hours he spent at Firebird 29 years ago. Many believe Senna’s association with IndyCar to be one of the most significant boosts the series received at the time in terms of visibility in Brazil and Europe.

Post Edited By: Samriddhi Jaiswal
Ayrton Senna Emerson Fittipaldi IndyCar McLaren

About the author

Janmeyjay Shukla

Janmeyjay Shukla is an artist who contributes his expressions through words as an F1 writer and editor at The SportsRush. He is an F1 historian who has been watching the sport since he was a baby. Passed on from generation to generation, he has seen the prime of Michael Schumacher to the rise of Max Verstappen. A Mercedes fan from the days of the Brawn GP era, the sport runs in his blood. Besides Formula One, Janmeyjay is a Marketing Head and a musician who loves to sing and play Rock & Pop songs on guitar. His love for sports will never die as he is a loyal Liverpool Football Club fan as well!

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