source:
crash.net
Although the racing world had pretty much taken as read that Ryan Briscoe
would play some part in Chip Ganassi's 2005 Indy Racing League programme, the
team has finally confirmed a full season for the Australian youngster.
Briscoe adds an extra antipodean dimension to the CGR squad, joining Kiwi Scott
Dixon alongside Britain's Darren Manning in an expanded three-car line-up,
running the #33 Panoz/G-Force-Toyota under the banner of a sponsor yet to be
revealed.
"We're excited about adding a third Toyota-powered car to our IndyCar team - and
even more excited to have a young talent like Ryan come on board with us,"
Ganassi commented, his reputation for finding and developing talent set to
receive another boost, "When we took the decision to add a third car, we had a
strong list of drivers to look at, but to have a one become available with the
kind of talent and drive Ryan has was a great opportunity for this team. He is
as hungry as he is technically oriented, and that reminds me of past champions
we've had."
The former Toyota F1 test driver will begin his IRL preparations at the series
first open test, to be staged at Homestead later this week, running a
Target-sponsored car.
"I'm really excited about this opportunity," he said, "It's a fantastic step
forward in my career and I am really looking forward to it. Formula One was
still an option until I got the opportunity to test with Ganassi, but I want to
be out there winning races and there's no doubt in my mind that, with the
Ganassi team, we can be in contention every race weekend."