Auto123.com spoke at length with IndyCar driver Alexandre Tagliani about the 2009 IRL season and his relationship with the Conquest Racing team.
In a recent interview posted on IndyCar's official web site, Conquest team owner Eric Bachelart mentioned, "we have to be realistic. It's very possible that we might have to share the car between two drivers for the season."
Tagliani knew this was a possibility but was unaware that Bachelart had mentioned it to the medias.
"The team and I are working very hard to put me in the car," Tagliani told Auto123.com.
"I am working closely with the team's marketing department. I have money to contest several races, including Toronto, and we are looking for sponsors in the region of Edmonton. I have found quite a bit of money, but are still trying to find the best way to use it."
Tagliani agreed that he might have to share the lone Conquest Racing Dallara-Honda car with another driver this season.
"Jaime Camara is driving for two test days at Homestead. That's fine. I guess my best plan is to use to money I have to do all the road races* plus the Indy 500. If I can't do the entire season, I'd be pleased with that. One driver would do the ovals, and I would race on the road courses. This way Eric (Bachelart)' car would compete in every race and he would get the 1.3$ million from the TEAM program."
The season will begin March 5 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
* These races are St. Petersburg, Long Beach, Watkins Glen, Toronto, Edmonton, Mid-Ohio and Infineon.
photo:Philippe Champoux - Auto123.com
In a recent interview posted on IndyCar's official web site, Conquest team owner Eric Bachelart mentioned, "we have to be realistic. It's very possible that we might have to share the car between two drivers for the season."
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| Alex Tagliani with the Conquest Racing crew at Belle-Isle last year. |
Tagliani knew this was a possibility but was unaware that Bachelart had mentioned it to the medias.
"The team and I are working very hard to put me in the car," Tagliani told Auto123.com.
"I am working closely with the team's marketing department. I have money to contest several races, including Toronto, and we are looking for sponsors in the region of Edmonton. I have found quite a bit of money, but are still trying to find the best way to use it."
Tagliani agreed that he might have to share the lone Conquest Racing Dallara-Honda car with another driver this season.
"Jaime Camara is driving for two test days at Homestead. That's fine. I guess my best plan is to use to money I have to do all the road races* plus the Indy 500. If I can't do the entire season, I'd be pleased with that. One driver would do the ovals, and I would race on the road courses. This way Eric (Bachelart)' car would compete in every race and he would get the 1.3$ million from the TEAM program."
The season will begin March 5 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
* These races are St. Petersburg, Long Beach, Watkins Glen, Toronto, Edmonton, Mid-Ohio and Infineon.
photo:Philippe Champoux - Auto123.com