Arrow McLaren Team Principal Gavin Ward is excited for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season to be getting underway this weekend with the Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg presented by RP Funding.
It’s been a long off-season, but we’re finally here. I’m excited to get down to St. Petersburg and compete with a really talented group that’s worked hard all winter to improve many of our processes. I think we’re in a really strong place and hopefully we can roll off the truck strong to, frankly, take care of some unfinished business here from last year. I couldn’t imagine a better group to go racing with, and I’m looking forward to getting this season started the right way.”
Arrow McLaren confirmed earlier today (Tuesday) that Callum Ilott will drive the No.6 NTT DATA Chevrolet in place of David Malukas this weekend and looking ahead to the race, Ilott said:
It’s been a crazy schedule to make this all work, and I’m very grateful to finally be here and to make it happen. The Homestead test was very positive, and then we got the ball rolling again at the shop this week to get last minute preparations in. It’s going to be good, I think. I’m very impressed with the team and how they operate, and I’m excited to see what we can do. I had a good race last year at St. Pete and I’m coming off the back of a good race in Qatar in the World Endurance Championship, so the mindset is good. There’s a lot to discover and a lot to learn.”
Pato O’Ward is looking forward to the start of the new season and is hoping to go one place better than he did in 2023 saying:
I’m always pumped to go back to St. Pete every year because that means we’re starting a new season. It’s a track that I’ve had the pleasure of driving on multiple types of open wheel cars through the years and can’t wait to add another one to the books. The team and I are coming off a strong test in Sebring and are ready for the challenges that lie ahead this year.”
Alexander Rossi is heading into his second season with Arrow McLaren and is excited about St Pete saying:
“I am so excited to get to St. Pete to kick off 2024. It has been a very long off-season, but at the same time, it has been incredibly productive. It is amazing to see how far we’ve come since the season opener last year, and we have a lot of confidence as an entire organization. As always, it’s important to start the year off with some positive momentum and that is exactly what we are looking to do this weekend. I can’t wait to see everyone at the track wearing papaya.”