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Wednesday, 06 April 2011 04:00 |
 AIpiranga/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing announced today that Brazilian, Ana Beatriz, will not participate in this weekend's Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama due to an injury sustained at the IZOD IndyCar Series opener in St. Petersburg, Florida two weeks ago, filling in for her for Sunday's event will be Frenchman Simon Pagenaud.
Last Sunday, the 26 year old incurred the injury on the fifth lap in Turn 5 when she made contact with the #38 car driven by Graham Rahal.
The Brazilian managed to soldier through the race as she advanced six positions and brought the car home in 14th place. As a result of the incident, she fractured her scaphoid bone (wrist) and had to have surgery last Tuesday.
 Ana Beatriz
"I think that we had a great race in St. Pete, but on Lap 5 I broke my wrist. I could feel that my hand was sore and as the race went on it started to bother me more and I was in a lot of pain. I was just focused and determined on finishing the race. I really wanted it knowing that I wasn't 100%. Fortunately, I was able to finish the race and I got some good experience under my belt.
"It wasn't until after the race that I realized that something was actually broken. I was pretty upset, but the team and the league have been great. IndyCar medical got me in really quick to do the surgery and Dr. Fischer did an amazing job. I'm putting a lot of effort in being ready for Long Beach. I'm disappointed that I won't be able to drive the Blazemaster/ Ipiranga car, but I will be in Barber to learn from Justin and Simon and hopefully we can get a great result."
Making his IZOD IndyCar debut at Barber Motorsports Park this weekend will be the reigning American Le Mans Series (ALMS) champion, Frenchman Simon Pagenaud.
 Simon Pagenaud
"I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to drive Bia's #24 IndyCar this weekend. It's an awkward situation and not the best for a driver to race in circumstances like this, but I wish her the best and hope she has a very quick recovery and I will work hard for a good finish for DRR, Bia and Ipiranga/Blazemaster. I want to thank Dennis, Robbie and Larry for giving me the opportunity. I've been looking to get into IndyCar for several years and now is my chance, so I just have to say thank you to everyone for giving me the opportunity."
Dennis Reinbold - Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Co-Owner
"We wanted to put Bia in the car for this race, but it's more important that she heals properly and has a quick recovery. She's working hard and headed down the right track so that she can be ready for Long Beach. While she recovers we are happy that Simon can fill in for her this weekend."
Robbie Buhl - Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Co-Owner
"We were really impressed with Bia's performance. The fact that she ran the entire race with a broken wrist really proved her potential and desire to showcase what she can do in an IndyCar. We are really looking forward to the rest of the season."
While Beatriz will not be competing this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park, she will be there to learn and gain more experience and see how the team works at another angle.
She will be re-evaluated on Monday and is expected to be back in the car for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
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