IMSA Ferrari team commits to 2019 Indy 500

Giacomo Mattioli

Championship-winning sports car team Scuderia Corsa will follow up its successful Indy 500 debut by returning for the 2019 race, at a minimum.

“We’re committing to the Indy 500 next year, and we’re trying to put a [full-season] program together for next year," team owner Giacomo Mattioli told RACER. “We take our time, we study, we observe, and it was a very good learning experience. We’ll do things different next time around. Definitely back for the Indy 500, and more races, we will see."

“Ultimately, we’ll run it with Scuderia Corsa," he continued. “Next year, the year after next, my intention — my program is three years the Indy 500, and that’s what we started this with in mind to develop our portfolio. There’s a real possibility for full-time next year. It’s coming up quickly, we will evaluate all the options possible, and will make a decision. Ultimately, we want Scuderia Corsa to run the car."

“We gave it a try!" Mattioli said. “It’s been a very exciting month with the Bump Day and the qualifying experience, the race, the last 25 laps being in the hunt. At one point, we believed we could do well, even though Chevy was stronger. It was incredible."

While Mattioli wouldn’t be drawn into commenting on the rumors of a visit to the Indy 500 last weekend by FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne, he produced an interesting response nonetheless.

“I’ve heard crazier things," he said with a laugh before adding, “but it’s not so crazy."