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Pietro Fittipaldi has been named as the driver of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s #30 entry for the 2024 IndyCar Series.
The Brazilian-American is currently a test/reserve driver for the Haas F1 Team but has also remained active in sportscar competition, scoring an LMP2 class win in the World Endurance Championship race at Monza.
He takes over the RLLR seat which had been filled by Jack Harvey until the Briton was moved aside late in the 2023 IndyCar season, after which Conor Daly and Juri Vips filled the breach.
For Fittipaldi, the deal represents a return to the North American open-wheeler category, and a first full-time campaign in IndyCar.
He contested a total of nine races with Dale Coyne Racing across two seasons, although his efforts in 2018 were disrupted by a crash in a WEC event at Spa-Francorchamps in which he broke both legs.
Notably, unlike Vips, Fittipaldi’s IndyCar experience includes ovals.
“I am extremely proud and honoured to join Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” said the grandson of two-time world drivers’ champion and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, Emerson Fittipaldi.
“With the experience I’ve gained over the last few years in F1 and other racing series, I am looking forward to the challenge of racing in IndyCar, one of the most competitive and versatile racing series in the world.
“I want to thank Mr Rahal, Mr Lanigan, and Mr Letterman for the opportunity and their trust and confidence in me. I can’t wait to get started.”
RLLR co-owner Bobby Rahal remarked, “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to have Pietro join RLL as the driver of the #30 car.
“He has had previous experience in IndyCar in doing partial seasons with Dale Coyne Racing and impressively qualifying 13th at Indianapolis in 2021.
“I got to meet him then and since that time he has worked hard to become the reserve driver for Haas F1’s team.
“And from our discussions, I have been impressed with the maturity and experience that he will now bring to our programme.
“I look forward to seeing what he can do over a full season of IndyCar competition in 2024.”
Mike Lanigan added, “We are proud and excited to welcome Pietro to our team.
“The Fittipaldi family name has always been associated with winning and competitiveness in our sport.
“The legacy lives on with Pietro and we welcome the challenges in keeping the tradition alive.”
RLLR will also field Graham Rahal in Car #15 and Christian Lundgaard in Car #45 next year.
Meanwhile, Juncos Hollinger Racing has confirmed 2023 rookie Agustin Canapino for another season in its #78 entry.
The 2024 IndyCar Series season starts at St Petersburg on the weekend of Sunday, March 10.
