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IRL: Bertrand Baguette looks forward to racing on ovals

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Khatir Soltani
Belgian driver Bertrand Baguette is another European who decided to move to the United States to save his career. He will be part of fellow countryman Eric Bachelart’s Conquest Racing team in the IndyCar series this season.

Baguette, the reigning Renault 3.5 World Series’ champion, will get his first taste of the Honda-powered Dallara on April 11 at Barber Motorsport in Alabama.

The young Belgian -- who tested for the Renault F1 team late last year -- is also anxious to drive the Indy car for the first time on an oval.

“My first test on an oval is scheduled to take place at Kansas Speedway after Long Beach,” Baguette told Auto123.com.

“I look forward to driving on an oval for the first time! I know nothing from these tracks. Other drivers told me it is a little bit disconcerting at the beginning but you quickly get used to it”.

Baguette racing programme includes participation to the famed 500 Miles of Indianapolis in May.

“It’s true that the Indy 500 is one of the most reknown races in the world,” Baguette pointed out.

“I will first try to qualify the car. And then we’ll see… But for the moment I don’t fully realise it. Things will be very different when I’ll complete my first laps around the legendary Brickyard!”


photo:Renault
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada