There was a lot of news in the world of IndyCar yesterday just to show that there are still plenty of pieces that have to fall into the right place before the start of the season.
Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan Racing
According to reports, 2011 GP2 runner-up Luca Filippi is on the verge of signing with the team to drive alongside former Formula One driver Takuma Sato. The 26-year-old is held in high regard by Honda, where he served as a test driver for the former Honda F1 squad.
Michel Jourdain, who drove for Rahal in Champ Car in 2002 and 2003, has also been heavily associated with the team in a third RLL entry. Rumors have had the Mexican joining the team starting at the Indianapolis 500, but it’s possible the 35-year-old could make his debut earlier if sponsorship can be secured.
Chevrolet and Honda to the rescue
Chevrolet and Honda have both confirmed that they have agree with the IndyCar Series to supply more than the 10 engine leases they are contractually obligated to provide in order to make sure that every team will be able to get an engine lease before the start of the season.
The first sign came on Monday when Ed Carpenter Racing confirmed what had been expected for weeks—a supply of Chevrolet’s 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engines. Now that ECR has been taken care of, the focus shifts to Conquest Racing and Sarah Fisher Racing, the two teams remaining from 2011 without a primary engine lease.
Firestone stays aboard till 2014
Bridgestone announced that its Firestone tires will be part of the IZOD IndyCar Series until 2014 while it will also be involved in the IndyCar Lights Series for the 2012 season.
Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan Racing
According to reports, 2011 GP2 runner-up Luca Filippi is on the verge of signing with the team to drive alongside former Formula One driver Takuma Sato. The 26-year-old is held in high regard by Honda, where he served as a test driver for the former Honda F1 squad.
Michel Jourdain, who drove for Rahal in Champ Car in 2002 and 2003, has also been heavily associated with the team in a third RLL entry. Rumors have had the Mexican joining the team starting at the Indianapolis 500, but it’s possible the 35-year-old could make his debut earlier if sponsorship can be secured.
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| Photo: LAT for IndyCar |
Chevrolet and Honda to the rescue
Chevrolet and Honda have both confirmed that they have agree with the IndyCar Series to supply more than the 10 engine leases they are contractually obligated to provide in order to make sure that every team will be able to get an engine lease before the start of the season.
The first sign came on Monday when Ed Carpenter Racing confirmed what had been expected for weeks—a supply of Chevrolet’s 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engines. Now that ECR has been taken care of, the focus shifts to Conquest Racing and Sarah Fisher Racing, the two teams remaining from 2011 without a primary engine lease.
Firestone stays aboard till 2014
Bridgestone announced that its Firestone tires will be part of the IZOD IndyCar Series until 2014 while it will also be involved in the IndyCar Lights Series for the 2012 season.