INDYCAR: Rossi considers Andretti-Herta extension

Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi appears to have multiple options for 2017 in IndyCar and at least one in Formula 1. According to the surefire Verizon IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year, remaining in America is atop his wish list.

"Oh yeah, I am entertaining it, definitely," Rossi told RACER. "We have been considering it as an option, really, for a good couple of months now. And we're working to try to put something together. This time of the year is always tough. You think things are going to go one way and most of the time it doesn't. But we are putting our best foot forward and definitely looking at IndyCar for next year and in the future."

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After the IndyCar season ends on Sept. 18, Rossi's ongoing association with the Manor F1 team will have the 24-year-old complete his role as a reserve and test driver through the grand prix finale at Abu Dhabi on Nov. 27. During that timeframe, sorting out an extension with the Andretti-Herta Autosport team will be a priority for the team and its young charger.

"Sonoma is going to come and then I have got to finish up my Formula 1 contract," said Rossi, who sits between IndyCar champions Ryan Hunter-Reay and Juan Montoya in the championship. "So as much as it is difficult to go to the track and not drive, I have to make it my full priority. That is my job. And I owe that to the team. As soon as Sonoma finishes there will obviously be the continuing discussions on continuing in IndyCar, but I have to focus on the Formula 1 side of things for a couple more months to finish it up."

Although inquiries about Rossi's availability have made by other entrants in the IndyCar paddock, a return to the blended Andretti Autosport and Bryan Herta Autosport team appears to be his highest priority.

"We have been very fortunate to have interest from other sides, but I love working at Andretti and they are the team that we are obviously closest to because we have the relationship," he said. "I have nothing negative to say and I think the organization is great. And I really like the structure of it. So we are definitely speaking to them most – but, as always, you need to have B and C plans in place."