By Phil Huff
December 9 2006

IndyCar sensation Marco Andretti is set to drive for Honda Racing F1 - although only for a one off test next week, as Honda celebrate his success. IndyCar's Rookie of the Year, Andretti will drive the RA106 on the final day of testing in 2006, taking the wheel at the Jerez circuit on Friday 15 December.

The test will be the American drivers first taste of Formula One machinery, and is a reward for his achievements in the Honda powered IndyCar Series this year. Aged just 19, Andretti finished second in the prestigious Indy 500, and took his Andretti Green Racing car to victory at the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma.

At the end of the year, he finished seventh overall, right behind team mate Tony Kanaan who himself tested for Honda earlier in the year, and 17 places ahead of Michael Andretti, his own father.

Marco Andretti
Race Driver
Andretti Green Racing

"I've said all along that I'm a racer. I'll drive anything with a motor and this definitely ranks at the top of the list. I am thrilled that Honda has offered me this incredible opportunity. 2006 was a fantastic inaugural year for me in the IRL and I look forward to fighting for the championship next season. However, as you would expect of any racing driver, when Honda offered me the chance to drive, I grabbed it with both hands - no hesitation! I can only imagine what an awesome experience this is going to be and I’m just going to take my time and enjoy every moment."

Gil de Ferran
Sporting Director
Honda Racing F1

"We are delighted to have Marco join us in Jerez next week for his first run in a Formula One car. Marco has had an outstanding first season in the IndyCar Series, making a big impact at such a young age. As part of the extended Honda Racing family, it will be a great pleasure for us to give him the chance of his first experience of Formula One."

Michael Andretti
Chairman
Andretti Green Racing

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Marco to experience a different type of race car," said his father, Michael. "While he remains committed to Andretti Green Racing and the NYSE team in pursuing our future goals, I definitely encourage him to take advantage of opportunities such as this and to learn from them. He's young, fast and has a great future ahead of him."