PREMA will join IndyCar in the 2025 season with two Chevrolet-powered cars driven by Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman.
The Italian team have been very successful in Europe and are expanding into North America for the first time in their history.
PREMA are very competitive across a range of junior championships in Europe, helping to develop F1 race winners Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.
They currently run Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli in Formula 2 but are struggling in the second tier of motorsport as PREMA are suffering uncharacteristically with the new car.
IndyCar will be a very different challenge as it is a professional championship, and the Italian team will have to learn how to race on ovals.
Conor Daly shared on his YouTube channel that he eagerly awaits PREMA’s arrival but warned that it will be very difficult for them.
Conor Daly feels PREMA will have a tough IndyCar season as it is a ‘very difficult sport’
IndyCar is becoming more competitive as Alex Palou looks for his third consecutive championship and fourth since making his debut in 2020.
Chip Ganassi Racing are strengthening its ties with Palou, who heads into 2025 looking for his first win on an oval.
READ MORE: Prema completes 2025 IndyCar lineup with current Ferrari driver ready for ‘new challenge’
PREMA are a very young team in comparison, with limited experience in professional series as well as American culture in the paddock.
Daly explained that he admires PREMA for joining IndyCar but warned the Italian team that they need patients.
He said: “I think it’s going to be tough for them. I really do think so. But it would be tough for anyone. I mean, this is a very difficult sport to get into.
“You know what? Those guys got to be in it for the long haul, and I hope they are. I respect the fact that they are a part of IndyCar. Love that a new team is in the game. That’s really cool.”
PREMA have a talented line-up of drivers heading into 2025
PREMA have recruited two drivers they are familiar with, Ilott and Shwartzman, ahead of their first year in IndyCar.
Ilott has experience in North America and critically on ovals after driving for Juncos Hollinger Racing earlier in his career.
Shwartzman was very successful in his junior career and won the FIA F3 title in 2019 with PREMA, but he has no experience racing on ovals.
He will also have to adjust to many new circuits as well as the Indy 500, which is a unique event unlike any other venue on the calendar.