Honda boss Nick Fry has played down the significance of Indycar driver Marco Andretti’s F1 test on Friday at Jerez.
The Brackley based team’s principal insisted to ‘Speed TV’ that the 19-year-old is testing mainly in recognition of his achievements in the American open-wheel category this year, where he is also powered by a Honda engine.
Fry pointed out that Andretti, whose father (Michael) and grandfather (Mario) both raced in formula one, has never even travelled to Europe before and remains under contract to the Andretti-Green IRL team.
“This is, if you like, a reward because of his achievements in America,” the British chief said. “End of story.
“I would not read anything more into it.”
Fry said Honda would, however, “keep an eye” on rookie Andretti’s progress in the US.
“We’re always interested in young, talented drivers but it’s very, very early days.”
Andretti, who finished his first Indy 500 in second place this year, said: “I still have my sights set on the Indycar series; there are still some things I need to
accomplish.
“But to have the opportunity to put in some laps in an F1 car is an opportunity that you don’t pass up.”
GMMF1
DailyF1News.com
