Takuma Sato returns for 16th Indy 500

Qualifying tenth in 2024, Sato finished 14th, for his fifteenth participation in the classic in May. The Japanese driver has won the event twice, in 2017 with Andretti Autosport, and in 2020 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. He is therefore returning to this team, with which he also came close to victory in 2012. That year, Sato tried to overtake Dario Franchitti in the first corner on the last lap of the race, but he spun. The Scotsman thus secured his third victory at Indianapolis.

Called up last year to help the fortunes of a destitute RLL team on the Speedway, the 48-year-old driver succeeded, even making it into the top 12 in qualifying. His teammates were stuck at the back of the pack, as was already the case in 2023. The Tokyo native will thus be able to see whether his efforts of ten months ago have borne fruit or not, by seeing the evolution of the team which will once again enter four cars this year.

“I am very happy to be back for the 109th Indy 500 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing”, Sato said. « Last year I had an incredible experience reconnecting with the team, and this year even more familiar faces have joined the effort, which makes this moment even more special and gives me great confidence. I can't wait to get to work."

The 109th edition of the Indianapolis 500 will be held on May 25, with qualifying a week earlier. Only 33 cars will be allowed to start, as is tradition.

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