De Vries: IndyCar is an “option” but focus on Europe for now
Reigning Formula E champion Nyck de Vries says he enjoyed testing an IndyCar for Meyer Shank Racing last year, but is maintaining his European ambitions for the time being.
Nyck de Vries, Mercedes-Benz EQ at Press Conference
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images
The Mercedes driver took advantage of an IndyCar driver evaluation day at Sebring last December, with MSR slotting him into a car for a day-long test at Sebring.
De Vries emerged fastest in the four-car test, ahead of Callum Ilott (Juncos Hollinger), his Formula E team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne (Arrow McLaren SP), and Jack Aitken (Ed Carpenter Racing).
At the time, team founder and co-owner Michael Shank told Autosport that de Vries had been “very impressive” and praised the Dutchman's feedback.
Reflecting on the test prior to this weekend's Berlin Formula E round, de Vries told Autosport that he considered IndyCar an option for his future, but is concentrating on his current commitments in Europe.
“Meyer Shank were great guys,” he said.
“It's a very different form of racing in the US. I would say it's mostly comparable to Formula 2 almost, given the fact that everyone has the same car. Obviously, there are different engine manufacturers [Honda and Chevrolet].
“I would probably compare it to Formula 2, in the sense that the basics of the equipment is the same. And then it's up to the teams to make the differences - obviously the car's a bit quicker.
De Vries tested an IndyCar for Meyer Shank Racing at Sebring last year
Photo by: Phillip Abbott / Motorsport Images
“But also from a feeling point of view, I felt quite quickly at home, I will admit it was very physical. And then the Americans, they love show and they love racing, and it's very pure, which is refreshing sometimes.
“At the same time, I also love the professionalism, the technicality and kind of sophisticated elements of Formula 1, Hypercars [in the World Endurance Championship] and Formula E because all of them have their own challenges.
"It was a great experience and it's definitely something that I take with me.
“That was the main purpose for me to go there to see what it's like to get a feel for the environment and really kind of get to understand whether it can be a considerable option for my future.
"I think it is, but at the moment I'm in Europe in Formula E and part of Toyota [in the WEC] as well.
“So I'll have to see how the next months are developing and then at some point, I guess I'll get to know what my future would look like, at least in the mid-term.”
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
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