Team Rossi Motorsports: News

GP3 - Alexander Rossi Leads The Way With ART Grand Prix Rticle

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 Eastern Standard Time

Le Castellet, France - March 7, 2010 - California native, Alexander Rossi, joined 33 drivers, representing 20 countries, over two days at the famed Paul Ricard test circuit for the first official and inaugural test of the GP3 Championship Series. Running on the "3D" track configuration, in both wet and dry conditions, the 3.853 KM layout uses a section of the famous Mistral straight going into the Signes corner. Rossi led the way giving notice of his intent for the 2010 season, after having signed for GP3 Championship with multi championship winning team, ART Grand Prix this past January. The 18 year old, Rossi set the fastest overall time at 1:20.013 and lead the time charts in three of the four sessions.

Rossi Tops Leaderboard In First GP3 Test

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 Eastern Standard Time

Le Castellet, France - America's Alexander Rossi came out on top of the first GP3 group test session at Paul Ricard, in preparation for the inaugural season of the latest F1 ladder series. Rossi not only set the quickest time of the week, but also headed three of the four sessions held for the 280hp Renault-powered spec Dallara chassis.

Rossi Endures Bahrain Debut

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 Eastern Standard Time

Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain - March 2, 2010 With preparations already underway for the Formula 1 season opener, March 12-14, GP2 Asia held race 5 and 6 this past weekend at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), built in 2003. Entering the weekend 3rd in championship points, Malaysia Qi MeritusMahara driver, Alexander Rossi, had high hopes of his debut on the 6.3 kilometer circuit, as he was anxious to put to use the time spent preparing in a U.K. simulator the week previous and looking to gain valuable points and data leading up to the series season finale serving as support to Formula 1.

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY AT 'YAS' - ROSSI 3RD IN GP2 ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 Eastern Standard Time

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates February 9, 2010 - Alexander Rossi returned to the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi this past weekend to race under the lights for round two of the GP2 Asia Series. The event marked Rossi's race debut for team MalaysiaQI-MeritusMahara. Despite an adversity filled weekend at 'Yas', Rossi and Meritus collected valuable championship points, exiting the weekend with Rossi now 3rd in the driver's standings as GP2 Asia heads to the Bahrain International Circuit later this month. Rossi was pleased with his Meritus entry from the outset, qualifying 5th just 3/10ths shy of pole. However, a technical infraction with a setting on the rear wing element was assessed by the FIA stewards after the session resulting in Rossi being relegated to 24th on grid for race one.

Alexander Rossi's Qualifying Fast Times In Abu Dhabi Are Disallowed

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 Eastern Standard Time

Alexander Rossi qualified 5th, posting a 1:52.861 for Team MalaysiaQi-Meritus, missing pole by 3/10ths for Round 2 in Abu Dhabi. HOWEVER, Rossi's 3rd row starting position was short lived, lacking celebration, when the FIA officials found the #21 piloted by Rossi out of compliance for a team technical violation on a rear wing setting. Due to the technical infraction, Rossi was relegated to start 24th for Race 1 on Friday next to his teammate, Luca Filippi who had his own misfortune lining up 23rd. Alexander Rossi Quote: "I was pleased with the car and the pace we had today", Rossi said. "As normal in GP2, clean laps are hard to find but lining up P5 I felt we had a clean shot for a win today. Being disqualified for a technical violation is frustrating and definitely changes the scenery starting from the rear of the grid. I will make the most of racing from the back, but it poses a different strategy versus starting from the third row. The car is really good and I'm confident in my own ability to gain track position. If we have a good opening laps and a clean pit stop anything can happen." Peter Thompson Quote: "We proved today that we had the pace", Peter Thompson commented. "Unfortunately we had technical problems and human error by the team that was simply unacceptable. The drivers now have a big task in today's race, but each believe they have the car and the pace to aim for a top-8 result." FULL PRESS RELEASE TO FOLLOW COMPLETION OF ABU DHABI RACE EVENT.

ROSSI SIGNS With MERITUS For GP2 ASIA SERIES

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 Eastern Standard Time

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - January 27, 2010 - Alexander Rossi will contest the remaining rounds of the GP2 Asia Series with the championship winning team, Malaysia-QI-Meritus. The arrangement will partner 18-year-old American with former GP2 race winner Luca Filippi, as Alexander looks forward to a strong finish to the championship. "I want to thank Peter Thompson, President and team founder of MalaysiaQI-MeritusMaharaGP.com and its chairman Raad S. Abduljawad for giving me the chance to compete for the rest of the season", Rossi commented. "I am very confident in the teams abilities to prepare a race winning car and I am looking forward to getting back to work in Abu Dhabi. My goals are simple - 'to win' and I feel that I can deliver on this ambition as this team is one of continual strength and determination."

ROSSI SIGNS WITH ART Grand Prix

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 Eastern Standard Time

Nevada City, California, January 19, 2010 - Alexander Rossi will contest GP3 Series in 2010, driving for the prestigious ART Grand Prix team. The arrangement will see the 18-year-old American racing at eight venues in 2010, including seven with Formula 1, beginning at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on May 9th.

ROSSI IMPRESSES IN FORMULA ONE DEBUT

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Standard Time

Jerez, Spain December 2, 2009 - Joining the BMW Sauber F1 Team at the Jerez Circuit in Spain yesterday, Alexander completed his first Formula 1 test with a fast lap of 1:20.227, set on lap 32 of 82 laps for the day, logging 365 kilometers. "Driving in Formula 1 has been my goal since I started racing," says Alexander. "Today I took a significant step forward by gaining the experience of driving the F1 car and working with the BMW Sauber team in gathering test data and development. The raw performance of the car is amazing. I was very pleased with my transition from the International Formula Master car and GP2 testing and felt I was well prepared both mentally and physically."

Rossi Prepares For F1 Test With BMW / Sauber

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Standard Time

Le Castellet, France November 16, 2009 As Alexander Rossi prepares for his upcoming BMW/Sauber F1 test in Jerez, Spain, December 1-3, he joined the GP2 Main series at the final 2009 test at the famed Paul Ricard Circuit, November 10-12. Rossi originally slated to drive only the first day with DAMS and the third day with Piquet GP, was given the opportunity to take up a vacant seat on day two of the test when a driver for Piquet fell ill.

Rossi (USA) Impressive In Abu Dhabi

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Standard Time

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates November 4, 2009 Alexander Rossi made an impressive start to his GP2 career this past weekend in Abu Dhabi. The young American, driving for Ocean Racing Technology, secured points in each of the opening rounds of the GP2 Asia Series. On Saturday, Alexander finished 4th in the 33 lap, 180 kilometer feature race at the Yas Marina circuit, and on Sundays 22 lap sprint race, he finished 5th.

Rossi (USA) To Race In Abu Dhabi For GP2 Asia Opener

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - October 27, 2009 Alexander Rossi will make his GP2 Asia series debut this weekend at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The 18-year-old from Nevada City, California, will pilot the 550bhp GP2 Dallara-Renault Asia series car for the Ocean Racing Technology (ORT) team, owned by former F1 driver Tiago Monteiro.

Rossi (USA) Quick In GP2 Testing Debut

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Madrid, Spain, October 9, 2009 Eighteen year old American, Alexander Rossi, showed his abilities this week at Circuito de Jerez, Spain for the first collective GP2 winter test. Rossi wasted no time transitioning to the 600 horsepower V8 Renault as the lone American returning to GP2 series since 2005. Rossi,using the experience of the GP2 car as preparation for his BMW Sauber F1 test at Jerez taking place, December 1st 3rd. Finishing his first day with Piquet GP, Alexander posted the 12th quickest lap of 25 drivers. The top 12 drivers were separated by only 1 second with many having much more GP2 experience than young Rossi.

Rossi Wins At Imola Clinches Rookie Title

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Imola, Italy, September 24, 2009 - Alexander Rossi secured the International Formula Master Rookies Championship in dramatic style at Imola on Sunday, by winning a thrilling final race of the season. Alexander ended the season championship nine points clear in the rookies standings and fourth overall. Qualifying: 6th (relegated to 11th) Race 1: 5th Race 2: 1st OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION: 4th (52 points) ROOKIES CHAMPIONSHIP: 1st (110 points)

Rossi 4th In Germany

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Marina di Pietrasanta, Italy, September 11, 2009 - Five days after winning a Formula One support race at Spa-Francorchamps, Alexander Rossi was back on-track at Oscherslaben for rounds 13 and 14 of the International Formula Masters series. The 17-year-old from Nevada City, California, had never previously raced at the 2.28-mile track in Northern Germany.

Rossi Never Challenged For Spa Win

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Magdeburg, Germany, September 1, 2009 - American, Alexander Rossi scored his second win of the season in Round 12 of the International Formula Masters Series at Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday. Performing in front of the Formula One teams for Belgium Grand Prix, the 17-year-old took the lead on lap 5 of 12 and was never challenged.

BMW / Sauber F1 Team Confirms Test For Rossi

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Nevada City, California, August 19, 2009 - The BMW-Sauber F1 Team confirmed earlier this month that Californian Alexander Rossi, winner of the 2008 Formula BMW World Finals in Mexico City will test for the team, December 1st 3rd at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain. The 17-year-old will be piloting the 850bhp car at the famous Formula 1 test circuit in the southern region of the country.

Formula BMW Americas Discontinued For 2010

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Last year's Americas and World Final champ Alexander Rossi will still get his BMW Sauber F1 test, though BMW has announced it is canceling the Formula BMW Americas series, as part of a restructuring of its worldwide single-seater training formula. The Formula BMW Europe and Formula BMW Pacific series, which have attracted stronger fields, will continue. "In the current economic conditions, it has proven difficult to establish the young driver program as successfully on American soil as managed by its sister series in their respective regions," BMW said in a statement announcing the decision. "Taken in combination with the - by comparison with Europe and Asia - vastly different motorsport infrastructures prevailing in the Americas, this led to the decision to cease promoting the series in future.

Rossi 3rd In Budapest

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Budapest, Hungary, July 29, 2009 Alexander Rossi finishes 3rd in Round 9 of International Formula Master Series main race after qualifying in 4th. This past weekend rounds 9 and 10 of International Formula Master Series were held at the Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary. This was the first of two opportunities on the IFM calendar for drivers to compete in front of the F1 team bosses and fans. The next opportunity at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgium Grand Prix in August. With the series standard Friday practice session eliminated by Formula One due to scheduling constraints, everyone headed straight into qualifying on Friday evening. Alexander and ISR Racing secured a fourth position on the grid despite brake issues the plagued the session.

Rossi 2nd At Brands Hatch

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Dartford, Great Britain, July 21, 2009 - Alexander Rossi scored a second place finish in the International Formula Masters series at Brands Hatch, Sundays race. Alexanders second trip to the podium in two race weekends was bittersweet with the news that Henry Surtees, a driver in the Formula 2 series, had been severely injured in the race taking place about 3 hours earlier. Henry, at 18 years of age, died from those injuries and we would like to express our deepest condolences to the entire Surtees family.

Rossi And ISR Racing Confirm Remainder Of 2009

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Dartford, Great Britain, July 14, 2009 Alexander Rossi having won the last race at Brno became the first American to win an International Formula Master race. The reigning Formula BMW World Final Winner then signed with the Czech Republic-based ISR team for the remainder of the season. Alexander is now looking forward to the start of the UKs round of the Series with high expectations. Rossi will contest rounds seven and eight of the International Formula Master Series at Brands Hatch this weekend. The 17-year-old from Nevada City, California, spent Monday circuit learning at Brands during an open track day driving a Palmer JP1-TS race car. The car served its purpose by allowing Alexander to feel confident in learning the line of the track and is now looking forward to getting his Tatuus - Honda up to speed.

Alexander Rossi - An American Racer In Europe - 'In His Own Words'

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Before I begin, let me say I'm greatly looking forward to sharing with you the readers of eFormulaCarNews.com my career as an American driver competing in Europe. As I begin this blog, I am going to take a step back in time to the 2008 Formula One finale in Sao Paulo, Brazil in order to get you caught up to date of where I am now. The F1 event in Brazil was also the season-finale for the Formula BMW Americas championship, and my final chance to prepare for the upcoming Formula BMW World Finals in Mexico City. I entered the event with high expectations, as I was coming off a championship-clinching weekend two weeks before at New Jersey Motorsports Park. That being said, I knew that the competition would be at its highest, as quite a few drivers from the Formula BMW Europe championship were also making the journey to Brazil to prepare for the World Finals. One driver who stuck out was actually my EuroInternational teammate, Daniel Juncadella. He had consistently been a front-runner in the European championship and I knew that if I could succeed in beating him, then I had a legitimate shot at winning the World Finals. I claimed both poles and both victories in Sao Paulo, which gave me an immense amount of confidence heading into Mexico City that December. After having some difficulties all the way through practice, qualifying, and the heat races at the World Final, I started the main event in fourth. Fortunately, I ended up coming home not only as the first FBMW USA champion to win, but also the only American to ever win the World Finals. With this came a large amount of opportunities for the 2009 season and the chance to be involved with the BMW Sauber Formula One program by testing their car at the end of the year.

Rossi Scores First Win In IFM

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Brussels, Belgium, June 24, 2009 - Alexander Rossi, having just joined ISR Racing, made history over the weekend when he became the first American to win an International Formula Master race. The 17-year-old from Nevada City, California, dominated race two at Brno in the Czech Republic to elevate himself to fifth place in the championship standings. Alexander leapfrogged ahead of pole-sitter Nicolas Maulini at the start and then disappeared up the road, setting the fastest lap of the race on lap four.

ROSSI RACES TO HISTORIC WIN IN CZECH

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

ISRs Alexander Rossi claimed an historic first win today in round six of the International Formula Master Series at the Automotodrom Brno in the Czech Republic. Taking the lead on lap one from Jenzer Motorsports Nicolas Maulini, Rossi raced to the chequered flag unchallenged to secure the first ever American win in International Formula Master, as well as the first ever ISR victory in the Series. Running second for the majority of the race, JD Motorsports Josef Kral received a black flag for failing to pit with a broken front wing, promoting team-mates Vladimir Arabadzhiev and Sergey Afanasiev to second and third place respectively

Rossi Has Brutal Weekend In Spain

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Valencia, Spain, June 3, 2009 - Rounds three and four of the International Formula Masters Championship took place at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Valencia, Spain this past weekend. Alexander Rossi finished round three in 7th position and round four in 12th position. This was the series first event of the year on a permanent racetrack, following the season-opener around the streets of Pau two weeks ago. For Rossi, though, it was anything but one to forget. Both Rossi and his team, HiTech Junior, had missed the pre-season test session at the track, which placed him at a big disadvantage to his main championship rivals.

Alexander Rossi Returns To Spain Circuit - International Formula Masters

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 Eastern Daylight Time

Valencia, Spain, May 28, 2009 - Alexander Rossi will contest rounds three and four of the International Formula Masters Series at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Valencia, over the weekend of 30/31 May 2009. The 17-year-old American, who is the reigning Formula BMW World Final Winner and Formula BMW Americas Champion, heads to Spain looking to build on his 4th place finish in Pau, France at season opening weekend.