Porsche’s World Endurance Championship leader Brendon Hartley has revealed he is keen on a switch to IndyCar next year after the end of the German manufacturer’s LMP1 programme.
The New Zealander confirmed that he is “genuinely looking at IndyCars” after being linked to drives with both Ganassi and Schmidt Peterson Motorsport for next year.
“IndyCars would be a new challenge and I’m excited about the challenge of racing on the ovals if IndyCar comes to fruition,” he told Autosport.
But Hartley refused to confirm that he was in talks with Ganassi and Schmidt Peterson, saying that he was in contact “with a lot of teams” in different racing disciplines.
Hartley, who extended his WEC points lead at last weekend’s Austin round together with Timo Bernhard and Earl Bamber, said he was evaluating a number of options for 2018.
He confirmed that Formula E, which Porsche will enter in season six in 2019/20, was of interest to him and that he had already tested a car for Venturi.
“I’ve looked at FE and tested one of those cars, and I like the IMSA SportsCar Championship, as well as IndyCar,” he added.
Hartley said he would also maintain his relationship with Porsche – which has committed to offering its outgoing LMP1 drivers new contracts – in 2018.
“I’m massively disappointed that LMP1 is disappearing for me next year,” he said.
“Whatever happens I will continue some kind of relationship with Porsche; it is just a question of what I do alongside that.
“Hopefully in the next weeks something will become clear.”
Hartley confirmed he will return to the Extreme Speed Motorsports squad for the Petit Le Mans IMSA finale at Road Atlanta next month.
He will drive one of its Ligier-based Nissan Onroak Daytona Prototype internationals after taking part in the Daytona and Sebring enduros at the start of the season with ESM.