Whereas AMSP missed out on signing Alex Palou when Chip Ganassi Racing proved its 2021 champion had contravened the phrases of his contract by negotiating with a rival squad, McLaren has been in a position to snatch NTT Knowledge, one in every of Ganassi’s major IndyCar sponsors since 2014.
It’s going to reunite Rosenqvist with the Japanese sponsor, because the Swedish ace drove Ganassi’s NTT Knowledge #10 automobile for the primary two years of his IndyCar profession earlier than being changed by Palou for the ’21 season. AMSP’s contract to again its #6 automobile is described as multi-year, and can see the #6 run in full NTT livery for 10 of the 17 rounds in 2023, whereas Rosenqvist’s teammates Pato O’Ward (#5) and Alexander Rossi (#7) will carry affiliate branding.
As well as, NTT Knowledge may even again the squad’s further entry for the Indy 500, which will probably be pushed by Tony Kanaan. The Brazilian veteran, who will make his 22nd begin within the Memorial Day Weekend basic, drove an NTT Knowledge-backed Ganassi automobile from 2015 by means of ’17. NTT Knowledge was additionally his major sponsor when driving the #48 CGR-Honda in 2021, earlier than Jimmie Johnson elected to run the complete schedule.
Regardless of operating a part-time schedule since 2020, Kanaan, the 2013 Indy 500 winner, proved he nonetheless has what it takes by ending third in final season’s 500, qualifying sixth and ending third for Ganassi, splitting the AMSP vehicles of O’Ward and Rosenqvist.
Zak Brown, McLaren Racing’s CEO mentioned: “NTT Knowledge becoming a member of our nice group of companions is a large increase for Arrow McLaren SP. I’m thrilled they are going to be representing our #6 automobile as a lead associate and a significant sponsor for our fourth entry within the Indy 500, piloted by Tony Kanaan. Tony proved final 12 months he can compete with one of the best of them, and I’m excited to see him placed on a present with our crew subsequent Could.”
Bob Pryor, CEO NTT Knowledge Providers, mentioned: “We welcome the chance to associate with McLaren, a long-term and valued consumer, and to reveal how sponsorships concurrently construct consciousness and improve business-to-business relationships. NTT Knowledge can also be happy with the NTT IndyCar Collection’ progress with a powerful worldwide secure of drivers, nice management from Penske Leisure, and a passionate fanbase interested in the extremely aggressive product – the place any driver can win in any weekend.”
Rosenqvist, Arrow McLaren SP driver, mentioned: “I sit up for representing NTT Knowledge as soon as once more. They’re an awesome associate and are dedicated to the sequence. I welcome them to the McLaren Racing household and am prepared to begin the season off in St. Petersburg, racing the #6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren SP-Chevrolet.
“It’s going to even be nice to race alongside Tony and study from him as we put together for the Indy 500.”
Kanaan himself added: “I really feel extraordinarily fortunate to get one other shot racing within the Indy 500. I’m excited to work with Pato, Felix and Alexander and race with the Arrow McLaren SP crew.
“My largest battle in final 12 months’s race was towards these three drivers, so working with them and driving with them will probably be thrilling for all of us.”
Tony Kanaan, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Photograph by: IndyCar