The 2013 season of the IZOD IndyCar Series is just around the corner and the teams are looking at all the options, entry and driver wise. Here is a quick look at what the teams are working on at the present time in the championship order.
Andretti Autosport: We know for sure that all three regular drivers; champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, James Hinchcliffe and Marco Andretti are all confirmed for 2013. We learned also that the team still has to finalise all the details budget wise. A fourth entry is also in the plans but it looks as though the No. 17 Dallara-Chevy will probably be split between a few drivers among them returnee Sebastian Saavedra, Ana Beartiz and Indy Lights alumni Carlos Munoz, who is already confirmed for the Indy 500. We have learned that the team came close to signing Sebastian Bourdais for the 4th car and that Ryan Briscoe has been talking with the team but will probably land elsewhere. Confirmed: Ryan Hunter-Reay James Hinchcliffe Marco Andretti. Unconfirmed: A fourth entry driven by various drivers Team Penske: The “Captain’s” squad is still working on putting a third car on the grid. After the foreseen departure of Ryan Briscoe, the team had chosen Simon Pagenaud as substitute but the Frenchman will return with Schmidt. Then, Team Penske focused its attention to Ryan Hunter-Reay but the current champion decided to stay with Andretti. Confirmed: Will Power and Helio Castroneves Unconfirmed: A third entry is still possible Chip Ganassi Racing: Graham Rahal has left the team to join forces with his father at Rahal Letterman Lanigan; leaving his former boss with the task of finding a replacement. Many are interested but few have the means to make it a reality. Ryan Briscoe is definitely an option but that still leave the task for the team to find the sponsorship dollars needed to run this fourth Dallara-Honda. One thing for sure, don’t expect any announcement soon. Confirmed: Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon and Charlie Kimball Unconfirmed: A fourth entry is still more than likely possible Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports: One thing for sure is that the impressive Rookie of the Year Simon Pagenaud will be back at the helm of the SHM Dallara-Honda for a second year. It is also almost certain that Rubens Barrichello will become his future teammate and that he will bring not only his vast experience but also some of his former crew members from KV Racing. Still, many financial details need some ironing out before a deal is finalised. Confirmed: Simon Pagenaud Almost confirmed: Rubens Barrichello Unconfirmed: A third entry at the Indy 500 or at specific races throughout the season driven by some of Schmidt’s Indy Lights drivers KV Racing Technology: The team is downsizing from two to three cars on the grid but will have some exciting drivers to compensate. Veteran Tony Kanaan will welcome to his side Simona de Silvestro who will find at KV’s support, mentoring and a hell of a good engine that will allow her to fight her way through the pack which was impossible with her Lotus engine. Confirmed: Tony Kanaan and Simona de Silvestro Unconfirmed: A third entry for the Indy 500 Panther Racing: Although the team had to let go some of its staff, everyone one should be back when the time comes. Confirmed: JR Hildebrand Panther Dreyer Reinbold Racing: Oriol Servia, who did a hell of a good job last year, will definitely be back next year but as it is always the case with any small open-wheel team, financial considerations are always part of the equation. More than likely confirmed: Oriol Servia Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: One thing for sure is that Graham will re-unite with his father Bobby for the first time since they ran together the 2010 Indianapolis 500. The 23-year old American is expected to showcase his talent after having had some problems at Ganassi. A second entry is also in the works and high on the RLL wish list is Ryan Briscoe who has had numerous talks with the older Rahal. Takuma Sato, who still benefits from Honda’s backing, is a long shot for the seat. Confirmed: Graham Rahal Unconfirmed: Ryan Briscoe, Takuma Sato among others interested More than likely: At least one separate entry at the Indy 500 Dale Coyne Racing: Justin Wilson will more than likely return for a third season with DCR where he will team-up once again with his engineer Bill Pappas. Dale Coyne has had his share of medical issues recently; he had his leg broken and has recently been involved in a motorcycle accident. Confirmed: Justin Wilson More than likely: A second entry but with another driver than James Jakes. To be announce later at the beginning of 2013. Barracuda Racing: At the beginning of last season, the team struggled with his Lotus engine although Alex Tagliani made the most of the situation. When the team switched to Honda powerplant, the squad did some very impressive things. Confirmed: Alex Tagliani Unconfirmed: A second entry Ed Carpenter Racing: Ed will be back at the helm of both his team and his Dallara-Chevy for next season with no major changes. Like every other smaller team, the desire to field a second entry is there but the sponsorship isn’t for the time being. Confirmed: Ed Carpenter A.J. Foyt Racing: The team still has a vacancy and, at the present time, it remains one of the most seek-after drive in the series. Many believe that Ryan Briscoe would have been the perfect candidate but, apparently the Aussie won’t be the one to ride the No.14 Dallara-Honda. Even if the Foyt squad has not decided on his driver, they were busy hiring some good engineers to bolster the crew. Confirmed: no one at the moment Unconfirmed: A second entry Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing: The team has just re-signed its main sponsor for the upcoming season and is keen to have young talented Josef Newgarden back in its Dallara-Honda. Confirmed: Josef Newgarden HVM Racing: Because of its contractual dispute with Lotus, owner Keith Wiggins was not able to get an engine lease to continue, losing both its prized driver Simona de Silvestro and her sponsor to KV Racing. Wiggins has made it clear that he would like to run in IndyCar but has decided for the moment to switch his attention to sports cars; WEC and American Le Mans being his series of choice. We do know that teams have already offer Wiggins to buy his DW12’s parts and all. Confirmed: No activities for now Dragon Racing: Jay Penske has just announced that he had re-signed Sebastian Bourdais and he is making important changes in the team’s chain of command. Katherine Legge should also be back, although the team has not confirmed anything yet but we do know that she was, alongside her personal sponsor TrueCar, committed thru 2013. Confirmed: Sebastian Bourdais More than likely confirmed: Katherine Legge Conquest Racing: Long-time owner and true believer Eric Bachelart would be more than happy to make a return to open-wheel racing but he would have to get the money and an engine lease to make it a reality. Confirmed: No activities for now
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