Prema Racing has announced its plan to enter the NTT IndyCar Series in 2025 with a two-car programme.
Prema Racing which is one of the most successful junior formula programs in history with eighty titles to its name, is set to launch its entry into North America’s premier open-wheel championship by fielding two full-time entries powered by Chevrolet.
“Today’s announcement marks a pivotal moment in the history of Prema Racing,” said Team Principal Rene Rosin.
“Making the step to the NTT IndyCar Series, and competing in the world-famous Indianapolis 500, is a dream coming true for our family and everyone involved in our business.
“We have tremendous respect for IndyCar, its unique challenges and sensational history, and we look forward to being part of it.
“While competing in IndyCar will not be easy, we are determined to put in our best effort, learn as quickly as possible and become leading contenders right from the start.
“The desire to fight for victory is our driving force, and the thoroughness of the challenge will give us even more motivation to succeed.
“This new chapter will also be beneficial for Prema Racing and its people, producing amazing learning opportunities and know-how transfer.
“We want to thank IndyCar for the warm welcome, and Chevrolet for supporting this project. We cannot wait to start operating in our new Indiana shop and get on track as soon as possible.”
The team will be based in Indiana but the announcement did not specify precisely where the team’s “state-of-the-art” headquarters will be located as it plans to make its debut at the Indianapolis 500 next year.
“Prema Racing, with their global reach and extraordinary presence in open-wheel racing, will be a great addition to our growing and highly competitive paddock,” said IndyCar President Jay Frye.
“We look forward to seeing Rene and Prema on the NTT IndyCar Series grid in 2025.”
Prema will benefit from the IndyCar collaboration in a number of ways, including acquiring a higher level of expertise, experience, and technological advancement. The team described it as a way for mechanics, engineers, drivers, and other team members to grow.
“Chevrolet is pleased to welcome Rene Rosin and Prema Racing to our 2025 NTT IndyCar Series roster,” said Mark Stielow, Director of Motorsports Competitions for General Motors. “Prema brings global success to Team Chevy and winning organization.”
CEO Piers Phillips, who previously worked for by Rahal Letterman Lanigan and Schmidt Peterson (now McLaren), will lead the new IndyCar squad as Guillaume Capietto assumes the role of technical director.
The team provided no information regarding its driver lineup for 2025, but RACER reports that the team is considering signing a former IndyCar driver as well as one of the young talents currently working with the Italian team.
Prema Racing is the preferred team for many Formula 1 teams aiming to develop their young drivers for promotion to the top division, having achieved success across several junior categories.
Ferrari’s Oliver Bearman and Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli race for the team in Formula 2, while Red Bull’s Arvid Lindblad, Alpine’s Gabriele Mini, and Dino Beganovic from the Ferrari Driver Academy drive their Formula 3 cars.
The 2024 F1 grid also has nine drivers that have come through Prema, including Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
The team has taken part in a number of series in the past, including the World Endurance Championship. However, few European teams have made an effort to get involved in the very competitive IndyCar series. Former rivals of Prema, Carlin (now Rodin), joined the championship in 2018 but withdrew after 2021.
Unless other teams withdraw or reduce in size, Prema’s entrance will add to the already packed IndyCar grid. This year, there are 27 full-time entries in the series.
