Aiming to be a championship contender in 2005
source:
irl.racing-live.com
Kosuke Matsuura was virtually unknown in North
American auto racing circles a year ago. But after a 16-race IndyCar Series
season that included winning the Bombardier Rookie of the Year award, name
recognition has markedly improved.
It was in November 2003 that Matsuura impressed Super Aguri Fernandez Racing
principals Aguri Suzuki and Adrian Fernandez during an audition at Phoenix
International Raceway. That was quite a feat in itself before the discerning
eyes of a former Formula One driver (Suzuki) and a veteran driver who would go
on to win three IndyCar Series events in 2004.
Matsuura continued to impress as his experience and comfort level on the ovals
expanded. He had a best finish of fourth at Kentucky in August, recorded four
top-10 finishes and was named Bank One Rookie of the Year for the 88th
Indianapolis 500.
All in all, it was quite an accomplishment for a driver in his first season of
oval racing. Matsuura had competed in the Formula Renault V6 Eurocup
Championship and the German Formula 3 Championship in 2001-03, and had been a
part of the driver development program (Autobacs Racing Team) founded by Suzuki.
Matsuura has raised his personal bar for 2005. He's comfortable in the car,
with his crew and engineer. He's also more comfortable after a year living and
travelling in the United States.
"My goal for 2005 is to be a championship contender and get my first win in the
IndyCar Series," said Matsuura. "I've learned and the team has grown from all
the experiences from last year, so I would like to show the improvements and
better performances."
Suzuki and Fernandez bolstered Matsuura's confidence by announcing before the
season's penultimate race at California Speedway that he would be in the No. 55
Honda-powered Panoz in 2005.
"Adrian and I are very excited about the start of the 2005 IndyCar Series
season," managing director Tom Anderson said. "Road courses being added to the
schedule is a challenge for all -- Honda, Panoz, the team and certainly Kosuke.
Kosuke has now driven all the ovals and we are sure to be more competitive at
all the events this season. We have been able to add to our team this season
with more personnel and now Adrian will have more time to help Kosuke. This will
be our best year."