source:
crash.net
Adrian Fernandez has confirmed that his Fernandez Racing team will make the
switch from the Champ Car World Series to the Indy Racing League this season,
beginning at round two in Phoenix next weekend.
The popular Mexican will drive a Honda-powered Panoz/G-Force chassis with
sponsorship from long-time supporters Quaker State, Telmex and Tecate and new
partner Aceros Vilag.
"Obviously, this is a big move for us - particularly at this late stage,"
Fernandez admitted, having attended Champ Cars pre-season 'launch' on Monday.
"We have reviewed a lot of things [over] the past few days, and had to take a
hard look at what we know at this point in time to determine what is best for
our sponsors and the future of Fernandez Racing. With the support of Quaker
State, Telmex, Tecate and Aceros Vilag, we have made the decision to enter the
IRL."
Fernandez, who was frequently among the best supported racers in the Champ Car
series, admitted that it had be a hard personal decision to make the switch.
"It is never easy to make a decision like this, particularly when you factor in
the friendships and relationships that have developed over many years, not only
for myself, but everyone at Fernandez Racing," he explained, "I will always be
thankful for my years in Champ Car racing, where they have taken me in my career
and for the tremendous support of the fans along the way."
Although Fernandez already has an involvement in the IRL, via the Super Aguri
Fernandez Racing operation he formed in conjunction with ex-F1 driver Aguri
Suzuki, his campaign will be run under the Fernandez Racing banner.