Indy Racing Revolution (temporary site)

Former Formula One standout to drive for KV Racing Technology this season

“We’ve heard Sato’s name bandied about for a while, first with Luczo Dragon Racing and now this. But nothing has come to fruition yet for the Japanese driver and I’m beginning to expect that nothing will.” — Chris Estrada, Feb. 14

Well, shows what I know!

After being part of the IndyCar driver rumor mill for some time, Japanese pilot Takuma Sato will indeed be racing in the IZOD IndyCar Series this season. The former Formula One driver, who raced seven seasons in the global grand prix series, has joined KV Racing Technology and will drive the No. 5 machine during next week’s open test at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

“I have really missed racing last year and can’t wait to get started in this new challenge with such a great team,” said Sato in a team release. “To me, KV Racing Technology is a team with massive potential and great team spirit…I am also really motivated by the chance to be fighting at the front of the field, something I have missed in recent seasons.

“I want to thank sincerely everyone who has continued to support me through difficult times and look forward to enjoying success together very soon.”

Sato was out of action last season after seeing his ride with the former Super Aguri F1 team disappear when the team withdrew from competition during the 2008 campaign. Interestingly enough, the IndyCar.com story (linked above) states that he got some seat time this week down at Sebring International Raceway in Florida.

Throw in E.J. Viso’s test with KVRT on Monday and it looks like we may have the driver combo that team co-owners Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser will send into battle this year.

“I can’t wait to see what I know will be an extremely fast pace by Taku on the road courses and look forward to working with him and getting him up to speed on the ovals,” Vasser said. “I have no doubt that Taku will be right on the pace immediately. Taku’s knowledge and experience will be a great asset, and his great sense of humor and easy manner will add positive energy to our team.”

Unfortunately, it’s looking more and more like Mario Moraes will be the odd man out after improving with KVRT in his second IndyCar season.

After adapting to the series in his inaugural campaign with Dale Coyne Racing in 2008, Moraes moved over to Kalkhoven and Vasser’s operation and showed promise in 2009 with six top-10 finishes, including three top-5 finishes in his final four races. His best finish was a third place effort in the wild event at Chicagoland Speedway last August, and his fourth-place run at Sonoma — his first race after missing the Mid-Ohio round due to the death of his father — was, in my opinion, one of the more heartwarming moments of last season.

I wasn’t sure what to make of the young Brazilian when he came on the scene in 2008, but he earned my respect in 2009. If he finds himself without a ride in 2010, it’ll be a shame.