Dean Stoneman to make IndyCar test debut with Andretti Autosport
Dean Stoneman will make his IndyCar test debut with his Indy Lights squad Andretti Autosport at Watkins Glen on August 11
The 26-year-old Briton, who won the 2010 Formula 2 title, is currently fifth in Lights and will test Ryan Hunter-Reay's Dallara-Honda.
"I have been watching the big guys all season so I'm going to enjoy finally testing one," said Stoneman.
"I came to Indy Lights with a view of moving up to IndyCar, which has always been the goal that I'm working on for 2017, so the test will give everybody some indication of my ability.
"In 2010 I was invited to test Williams F1 car in Abu Dhabi and seemed to really impress everyone, so I'm hoping we can do the same sort of job with Andretti as I look to next year."
Stoneman has two victories in the 2016 season, including the Indianapolis round, but fell from a close second in the title race behind Ed Jones to fifth with a difficult weekend in Toronto earlier this month.
His Lights team-mates Shelby Blackstock and Dalton Kellett will also get their first IndyCar tests in the same session.
IndyCar works closely with its Road to Indy ladder series to give drivers in the junior championships opportunities to progress, and team owner Michael Andretti said he was proud to contribute.
"I applaud the efforts of the programme in helping to develop future Verizon IndyCar Series drivers," he said.
"By giving Dean, Shelby and Dalton an opportunity to test our Indycars, we can help do our part in building a stronger future not just for our team, but for the sport and industry as a whole."
Other Lights drivers getting IndyCar chances of late include European Formula 3 champion Felix Rosenqvist, who had a run with Ganassi, and RC Enerson - who impressed Dale Coyne sufficiently in a test to get a race chance with the team at Mid-Ohio this weekend.
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