Former Formula 1 driver Takuma Sato will return to racing in the IndyCar Series after inking a deal with KV Racing for this coming season.
Sato, who had been sidelined since his Super Aguri days in mid-2008, had long been linked with an IndyCar move and visited last year's Indianapolis 500.
"This is a very exciting time for me and all my supporters," said Sato. "I have really missed racing last year and can't wait to get started in this new challenge with such a great team."
The 33-year-old Japanese driver contested 92 grand prix for Jordan, BAR-Honda and Super Aguri between 2002 and 2008, with his third place in the 2004 United States GP his best F1 result.
Sato tested for KV at Sebring earlier this week, and although he currently has no oval experience, owner Jimmy Vasser expects him to rapidly get up to speed.
KV Racing also ran former HVM driver EJ Viso at Sebring this week, and could return to a two-car line-up for 2010. KV is also thought likely to field Paul Tracy in a limited programme again.
photo:WRI2
Sato, who had been sidelined since his Super Aguri days in mid-2008, had long been linked with an IndyCar move and visited last year's Indianapolis 500.
"This is a very exciting time for me and all my supporters," said Sato. "I have really missed racing last year and can't wait to get started in this new challenge with such a great team."
The 33-year-old Japanese driver contested 92 grand prix for Jordan, BAR-Honda and Super Aguri between 2002 and 2008, with his third place in the 2004 United States GP his best F1 result.
Sato tested for KV at Sebring earlier this week, and although he currently has no oval experience, owner Jimmy Vasser expects him to rapidly get up to speed.
KV Racing also ran former HVM driver EJ Viso at Sebring this week, and could return to a two-car line-up for 2010. KV is also thought likely to field Paul Tracy in a limited programme again.
photo:WRI2