Former FIA F3 driver makes the switch to compete in North America
After a career that began in Europe and climbed the open-wheel racing ladder to the FIA F3 program, Francesco Pizzi has shifted his focus for 2023. With his sights set on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Pizzi has joined TJ Speed in the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires program for 2023 as he looks to continue his climb in the North American motorsports ladder programs.
“We welcome Francesco with open arms and can’t wait to get 2023 started,” explained TJ Speed Owner Tim Neff. “Francesco tested with us and despite not knowing the equipment or track, performed very well. We feel that he will be an instant championship contender, and we hope that we can help him not only win but progress up the motorsports ladder here in North America.”
“I am ready,” exclaimed Pizzi. “It is great to finally know where I will race in 2023, and I could not be more excited. After a few tests with a couple of different programs in the USA, we have chosen TJ Speed in our quest for the title. I look forward to hitting the ground running with additional tests in January, and I can’t wait to get started.”
After a karting career that proved to be successful, Pizzi has earned countless open-wheel race wins throughout Europe with his most dominant season coming in 2020. Competing in the Formula UAE Championship, the Italian scored three pole positions, eight race wins and 10 podiums to earn the title.
That same season he also earned three wins and seven podium finishes to score vice championship honors in the challenging Italian F4 Championship. 2021 and 2022 saw Pizzi compete in the Formula Regional European Championship and the FIA Formula 3 Championship before his recent move to the United States.
Pizzi added, “I am looking forward to the new challenges that North America brings. My goal is to be an INDYCAR driver so 2023 will give me the opportunity to learn the series, the tracks and my competition and to be able to do this with TJ Speed gives us a great chance at earning race wins, podium results and the championship.”
The first green flag of the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires season will take place over the March 3-5 weekend at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Stay tuned for another driver announcement from TJ Speed next week.