Ex-Manor F1 driver Rossi keeping an open mind about IndyCar ovals

The American signed a deal to switch to the series with the four-car Andretti Autosport last week.

Rossi is at this weekend's test at Phoenix as an onlooker, the first time last year's GP2 runner-up has witnessed running on an oval.

He is set to complete his maiden IndyCar test at Sebring next week.

"I'm excited about it," Rossi said of ovals.

"It's a whole new experience and a new journey.

"I don't really know what to expect so I'm going into it with a completely open mind and I'm going to rely on the experience I have around me with Bryan [Herta] and Michael [Andretti, team owners] but my three team-mates as well.

"They have a lot of time on ovals and have been very successful.

"I have a good platform and a lot of very smart people to rely upon, to come out of the box in a strong position."

Rossi said he had noted fellow F1 refugee Max Chilton's adaption to IndyCar with Chip Ganassi Racing in recent weeks.

"I think Max has shown he has adapted quickly and hopefully we can follow suit," he said.

The 24-year-old followed Chilton's lead in observing IndyCar running from the top of the grandstand as his introduction to ovals, watching with Herta, whose team has merged with Andretti.

"It was a very interesting perspective to be up top and to see the different approaches you can take in the corner," he said.

"From watching on video or on pitlane it all looks very similar but when you get up high it's a very different perspective to understand the different ways you can approach the corners.

"I'm trying to learn as much as I can and the people and how they operate.

"It's a little bit different than what I'm used to.

"It's good to have an idea before I get into the race car for the first time."