Vautier might give Schmidt 'things to think about'

SEBRING, Fla. – By extension, some straight talk from Sam Schmidt led to Tristan Vautier having the opportunity to test an IZOD IndyCar Series car Dec. 13. He appreciates both.

“I met Sam in 2010 and the first thing I did was beg him to give me a (Firestone Indy Lights) test that I couldn’t afford,” Vautier recalled. “He was honest and advised me to go back to Star Mazda where I had the money to hopefully win the championship and come back to see him when I had the title. I came back to see him a year later with the scholarship from Mazda.

“Thanks for the advice.”

This past season, Vautier delivered a sixth Firestone Indy Lights title for Sam Schmidt Motorsports, and Vautier didn’t have to beg for a test in the No. 77 Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports car.

“Tristan had such a great year with us in Firestone Indy Lights, and he truly deserves this chance to test in an IndyCar,” said Schmidt, who is seeking to add a companion car to the No. 77 driven by 2012 Sunoco Rookie of the Year Simon Pagenaud.

So the 1.65-mile Sebring International Raceway circuit was Vautier’s playground for the day. He didn't miss a beat from the outset. In fact, Vautier recorded the fourth-quickest lap time of the 15 driver-car combinations and logged more than 200 miles.

"I loved it," said Vautier, 23, of France. "It feels like a big Indy Lights car with a few things to change in the driving style. I tried to improve throughout the morning, and the engineers were very good to help me. They made quite a few changes to see how I reacted and we moved forward.

“I’m just happy and honored to be taking this step with the team after they brought me the Lights title this year.”

Team manager Rob Edwards praised Vautier's outing.

"What we saw was really a continuation of what we saw with Tristan in Indy Lights this year," Edwards said. "He's very professional, wasn't overwhelmed with anything he had to do and was on pace right from the start of the day. His consistency and his feedback, he just did a great job all day.

"(This) might give Sam a headache or a few things to think about. I talked with him and he's really thrilled that someone who has come through Sam Schmidt Motorsports has been successful in one of the big cars."