Double Indianapolis 500 winner and ex-Formula 1 driver Takuma Sato will replace Romain Grosjean at the Dale Coyne Racing team in IndyCar next season.
After Super Aguri withdrew from the 2008 Formula 1 season Sato had to wait until 2010 for an IndyCar chance with KV Technology, where he raced for two seasons before switching to Bobby Rahal’s team for his first stint with the team.
Then from 2013-2016 Sato raced for AJ Foyt’s team, winning one race, at Long Beach, in his maiden season, before switching to Andretti for a year in 2017 where he won the Indy 500 for the first time.
He then returned to Rahal Letterman Lanigan for 2018 where he has raced since, winning four races including the Indy 500 for a second time last year.
Rumours began mid-way through the season it was likely Sato, 44, wouldn’t be returning to the Rahal team and he emerged as Grosjean’s replacement in the Rick Ware Racing-supported #51 car.
Thank you everyone @RLLracing. It was a truly honor to drive #30 car to the absolute on the limit all the time. My 30boys did always an amazing job and I will never forget the time we had together. Our relationship and memories are forever.
Thank you again for all your support. https://t.co/5mwyNz5i4l— Takuma Sato (@TakumaSatoRacer) October 5, 2021
“I am extremely excited that we were able to work out a deal with Dale, Rick and everyone at Dale Coyne Racing,” Sato said after the announcement.
“With Honda an integral part of Dale Coyne Racing, it seemed like a great fit. The team has proven year after year that they are very competitive on all types of circuits.
“Particularly the speed that team has shown in recent years at the Indy 500 were very impressive. I am really looking forward to working with my new environment and can’t wait to get started.”
Rahal gave Sato an emotional send-off with a string of social media posts thanking him for his services.
He will be replaced at Rahal in the #30 car by Formula 2 race winner Christian Lundgaard, with Jack Harvey also joining the team.
Sato’s new team boss and co-owner Dale Coyne hailed him as “one of the best drivers to every race in IndyCar.
“Winning the famed Indianapolis 500 twice, we look forward to competing with our package of a good car with a great driver in the 500 next year. All of us on our team welcome the very talented Mr. Sato into our fold for 2022.”
