Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA
Breaking news

Celis claims he had IndyCar options for 2018

Alfonso Celis Jr., who has joined Juncos Racing’s Indy Lights team for 2018, says he had options in IndyCar but has chosen to take a patient approach to his career.

Alfonso Celis Jr., Juncos Racing

Alfonso Celis Jr., Juncos Racing

Juncos Racing

Alfonso Celis Jr., Fortec Motorsports
Alfonso Celis Jr., Fortec Motorsports
Heamin Choi, Juncos Racing
Alfonso Celis Jr., Juncos Racing
Victor Franzoni, Juncos Racing
Alfonso Celis Jr., Sahara Force India F1
Alfonso Celis Jr., Sahara Force India VJM10

Celis scored a win and six other podiums in World Series Formula V8 3.5 last season on his way to third in the championship, driving for Fortec Motorsports. The Mexican also served as Force India’s Formula 1 reserve driver for the past two years.

Celis’ switch to Juncos Racing, partnering reigning Pro Mazda champion Victor Franzoni, was announced today as he began testing on the Homestead oval.

He told Motorsport.com: "I am very excited to start this new adventure. I feel at home since Juncos Racing is a Latin team.

“It will be the first time that I compete on ovals, and there is a lot to learn. For example, I did not know that each tire had a different measurement. There are many things that I now have to get used to.”

Celis, who took part in nine Friday morning sessions for Force India, said: “There were options in IndyCar, but it was a decision that we took with patience and I think [entering Indy Lights] is the right thing to do.

“I come here to fight for the best results, but I must also have my feet on the ground and recognize that there is a long way to go. There is an adaptation process that I must go through."

Despite experiencing the workings of a Formula 1 squad, Celis praised the quality of the Juncos operation, which this year has expanded to run an eight-race campaign in IndyCar.

"I came to a professional team,” said Celis. “I was impressed when I arrived at the workshop, it is comparable to the level of any Formula 1 workshop. The team is here to win just like me; very professional.

“In addition to this, there is a Latin atmosphere and that makes understanding easier. "

Explaining his latest career choice, Celis stated: “The last years with Force India were a lot of learning, a lot of sacrifice and I think I matured a lot as a pilot and a human being. My last day of testing with them, in the Pirelli test after the Grand Prix of Mexico, I achieved times similar to those of the official drivers, which leaves me happy.

"[But] there were no options to have an official seat in Formula 1 because everyone is busy, and while we could continue in a similar position, it was not what I wanted.

"Formula 1 is not something I discard, but at this moment I want to race. There was no point in making Formula 2 after being in the top three in the World Series, so I think this is the best way.”

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Former Force India reserve Celis joins Indy Lights
Next article Urrutia, Cunha, Kirkwood top Mazda Road To Indy tests

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA