Marco Andretti backs Chevrolet IndyCar engine changes
Marco Andretti has backed Chevrolet's decision to change all of its engines ahead of this weekend's IndyCar race at Long Beach, despite admitting that the resultant penalty has set him up for a difficult weekend
The manufacturer opted to recall all of its units following an engine failure on Andretti Autosport's James Hinchliffe's car during testing at Sears Point last week. Following an inspection, it decided to change the units on all Chevrolet-powered cars, meaning they were hit with 10-place grid penalties.
Andretti, who was quickest in Friday practice at Long Beach, said that he was disappointed to already be on the back foot before even qualifying, but said that the low stocks of spare engines meant that it was the right decision.
"That [engine change] is kind of the dark cloud," he said. "It's demoralising, to be honest, especially if you have a pole car.
"Right now, it comes down to availability of engines for Indy [the Indianapolis 500]. I tell you what, if I don't have an engine for Indy, I'm going to be upset. I'd rather take the 10 positions here. I think it would be a big risk. If we blow up three or four of these things for the same reason that blew up Hinch, then we're in big trouble for Indianapolis."
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
The Indy 500 poleman who didn't live to raceday
Fast Failures: American heartbreak at the Indianapolis 500
Indy Lights champion Spencer Pigot gets three race IndyCar deal
Newgarden fastest in rain-shortened first day of Indy 500 Open Test
Marco Andretti set for Indianapolis 500 return in 2024
How Andretti is planning for life after BMW
WEC Imola: Ye fastest to lead Ferrari 1-2 in practice
F1 teams and Pirelli had no warning of “painted” Shanghai track surface
Sainz will have to "survive with what we have" in F1 China sprint
F1 Chinese GP sprint race and qualifying - Start time, how to watch & more
The apprenticeship that will aid Ilott's IndyCar to WEC switch at Jota
The long evolution of Dallara's Indy 500 winner
Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives
How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments