Alexander Rossi did not dream of Indy 500 glory

  • Published on 31 May 2016 14:26
  • comments 3
  • By: Rob Veenstra

In one fell swoop, Alexander Rossi went from idle days at grand prix tracks to motor racing history. Still a reserve driver for Manor, the Californian completed the last handful of F1 races for the team last year but in 2016 lined up in the field for the 100th running of the fabled Indy 500.

On Sunday - part of his mind on the goings-on in the Principality - he won at the equally-fabled 'Brickyard'. "Things have worked out incredibly well over here," said the 24-year-old, who won the Indy 500 for the team headed by former McLaren driver Michael Andretti.

But Rossi admitted Indy 500 glory is not where he envisaged his motor racing success. "It isn't. It isn't at all," he said. "That's no secret. I left California when I was 16 to go to Europe. The goal was to get to formula one."

Reports say Rossi's windfall will now be in the millions, as he embarks on the customary whirlwind tour of media and publicity appearances as Indy 500 champion. "I can certainly say I'm not in a grand prix car anytime soon," he said. "(In F1) I'm a reserve driver. I sit around and pretend to look important. There is no driving involved - I drive to the track in a rental car." (GMM)

Replies (3)

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  • khasmir

    Posts: 893

    That just shows what happens if you apply a bit of F1 tactics to a traditional Indycar race.
    Everybody else does the exact same thing all the time...

    • + 0
    • May 31 2016 - 19:34
  • I dont like how Manor treat their drivers, even if I understand the necessity of their actions.

    • + 0
    • May 31 2016 - 22:55
  • RacetoWin

    Posts: 95

    How About "2016 Indy 500 Winner Alexander Rossi!!!"

    what kind of headline is this? its 2 days late and buck short.

    Winning the indy 500 will allow him to take on all kinds of new sponsors, how about that!?

    • + 0
    • Jun 1 2016 - 01:28

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  • Date of b. Sep 25 1991 (33)
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