IRL News - Andretti's Progress09/11/2006

Former Formula 1 World Champion Mario Andretti believes that his grandson Marco (above) has progressed as a person as well as a racing driver in the past year.

The 19-year-old finished seventh in the  standings in his rookie year in the IndyCar Series, driving for the team part-owned by his dad (and - Mario’s son)  – Michael, and running on Bridgestone/Firestone tires.

"This year Marco had his debut in the IRL. He started it a rookie and ended it a man," said Mario.

Many people said his elevation to the main league was too soon, but Marco’s performances proved his critics wrong, especially with his win at the Infineon Raceway at Sears Point.

"He was so smart and so patient to win the race at Infineon Raceway," Mario said. "He drove well above his age, but he did that all year."

The youngest Andretti hads been linked with a GP2 drive in the past, and it is expected that he will eventually head to Europe to chase an F1 drive – and with Grandfather Mario is in full support.

"I have a desire to put him at the wheel of an F1 car sooner or later," he said. "If the invitations will come, I'm sure he'll consider them."