KV Racing Technology
In addition to increased technical and financial involvement from Lotus, KV Racing officially announced Takuma Sato and E.J. Viso as its drivers for 2011. A third car is reportedly on the verge of getting the green light with two drivers fighting for the steering wheel, including Mario Moraes.
Sato will have to learn from his mistakes – and fast – after literally destroying numerous cars like he did in Formula 1. E.J. Viso didn't fare much better and his performance failed to impress. The financial support from his home country obviously bails him out.
Dale Coyne Racing
While everyone feared that she would become part of IndyCar's sad history, Milka Duno looks like a safe bet to return to Dale Coyne Racing in 2011 – and her personal sponsor, CITGO, has a lot to do with it. However, with the new tighter rules for qualification, she will have to race faster than the series' standard times because she won't enjoy a guaranteed spot anymore.
With the cash that comes with her, though, Coyne may be able to hire four-time Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais for road events. As for ovals, the names floating around include Alex Lloyd, who did an excellent job last year, and Indy Lights driver Martin Plowman.
Newman Haas Racing
Even though James Hinchcliffe and Oriol Servia make up Newman Haas Racing's dream team for 2011, there's many a slip twixt cup and lip. The duo performed test laps in Sebring last December, but money remains the key issue. Will they be on the starting grid in St. Petersburg? Stay tuned.
HVM Racing
Good news for HVM Racing, which signed a multi-year partnership with Entergy to provide rising star Simona De Silvestro a bright and stable future in IndyCar. The team is still actively seeking sponsors for a second car whose veteran driver would mentor the 2010 rookie of the year.
Conquest Racing
Everyone hoped for the return of Bertrand Baguette and a successful second year under team owner Eric Bachelart, but it looks like Conquest is still searching for financial support. Paul Tracy did contact Bachelart, but he doesn't seem to have enough endorsement to race a full season. The two parties keep trying to find new money to make it all happen, though.
JK Vernay, the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights champion, might be another option. After all, he recently completed test laps with Conquest. So did UK's Pippa Mann.
Bachelart already assured series organizers that his team will participate in all 17 races. In the most likely scenario, various drivers will take turns behind the wheel.
In addition to increased technical and financial involvement from Lotus, KV Racing officially announced Takuma Sato and E.J. Viso as its drivers for 2011. A third car is reportedly on the verge of getting the green light with two drivers fighting for the steering wheel, including Mario Moraes.
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| Takuma Sato, KV Racing Technology (Photo: indycar.com) |
Sato will have to learn from his mistakes – and fast – after literally destroying numerous cars like he did in Formula 1. E.J. Viso didn't fare much better and his performance failed to impress. The financial support from his home country obviously bails him out.
Dale Coyne Racing
While everyone feared that she would become part of IndyCar's sad history, Milka Duno looks like a safe bet to return to Dale Coyne Racing in 2011 – and her personal sponsor, CITGO, has a lot to do with it. However, with the new tighter rules for qualification, she will have to race faster than the series' standard times because she won't enjoy a guaranteed spot anymore.
With the cash that comes with her, though, Coyne may be able to hire four-time Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais for road events. As for ovals, the names floating around include Alex Lloyd, who did an excellent job last year, and Indy Lights driver Martin Plowman.
Newman Haas Racing
Even though James Hinchcliffe and Oriol Servia make up Newman Haas Racing's dream team for 2011, there's many a slip twixt cup and lip. The duo performed test laps in Sebring last December, but money remains the key issue. Will they be on the starting grid in St. Petersburg? Stay tuned.
HVM Racing
Good news for HVM Racing, which signed a multi-year partnership with Entergy to provide rising star Simona De Silvestro a bright and stable future in IndyCar. The team is still actively seeking sponsors for a second car whose veteran driver would mentor the 2010 rookie of the year.
Conquest Racing
Everyone hoped for the return of Bertrand Baguette and a successful second year under team owner Eric Bachelart, but it looks like Conquest is still searching for financial support. Paul Tracy did contact Bachelart, but he doesn't seem to have enough endorsement to race a full season. The two parties keep trying to find new money to make it all happen, though.
JK Vernay, the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights champion, might be another option. After all, he recently completed test laps with Conquest. So did UK's Pippa Mann.
Bachelart already assured series organizers that his team will participate in all 17 races. In the most likely scenario, various drivers will take turns behind the wheel.