Van der Garde "open-minded" about future single-seater return
Giedo van der Garde says he is "open-minded" about a future return to single-seaters, even if he is fully focussed on his current commitments in the European Le Mans Series and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Photo by: GP3 Series Media Service
The former Grand Prix driver switched to sportscar racing this year after a year on the sidelines, competing in the ELMS with G-Drive Racing this year, contesting the full ELMS schedule as well as Le Mans and the recent WEC 6 Hours of Spa.
“Let’s first concentrate on the endurance championships," he told Motorsport.com. "I would like to win ELMS, and also win [the LMP2 class at] Le Mans. After that, we will see what happens."
However, asked if he has any plans to race in the emerging Formula E championship or move over to America for IndyCar, the Dutch driver said he was "open-minded".
“I think Formula E is a good championship with a good future,” he said. “[As for] IndyCar, I have a good friend Alexander Rossi who is racing there, so I am always open-minded.
“But it is always good to focus and concentrate on one thing [at a time], and that at the moment is ELMS and Le Mans,” he added.
Earlier this year, van der Garde took part in the GP3 shakedown at Magny-Cours for Campos Racing, the team for which his mentee Steijn Schothorst drives.
Pirelli F1 role
Since his departure from Sauber, van der Garde has remained involved in F1 thanks to his tyre testing role with Pirelli.
“At the moment, I am still part of Pirelli, last year I did a lot of testing for them,” he said. “And this year they are planning now the whole project for testing tyres for the next year.
“They know that I always had good feedback and I am sure I’ll stay a part of Pirelli, so let’s see how it is,” the Dutchman added.
While the G-Drive driver intends to stay on with the Italian tyre company, it is unclear if Pirelli will have an officially designated test driver this season.
Interview by Gabriele Testi
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