Lotus have announced its full factory partnership with Dragon Racing IndyCar team at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham.
The team, which will be known as the Lotus Dragon Racing Team, will carry the iconic black and gold colours that are shared with the marque’s Formula One programme.
Dragon Racing is owned by Jay Penske, son of Roger, debuted in 2007, finishing fifth at the Indy 500 in its first year with Ryan Briscoe and in 2009 Raphael Matos finished as rookie of the year with the team.
“We are very pleased to be able to announce this new and exciting partnership with Dragon Racing today, a team which has demonstrated its potential and which we believe will achieve great success thanks to the Lotus IndyCar engine and the security of a major backer,” said Group Lotus Director of Motorsport Claudio Berro.
“Last year was Lotus’ first foray into this prestigious open-wheel series since Jim Clark won the Indy 500 back in 1965. We have a tremendous legacy in this sport, and are determined to become winners again. The American market is one of the most important to Lotus in terms of road car sales, hence our aggressive marketing strategies through US auto racing.
“We believe Lotus Dragon Racing and our other partner teams will give us the best opportunity to achieve our ambitious goals.”
Earlier in the week Lotus Dragon Racing announced that in 2012 Kathrine Legge and Sebastien Bourdais will drive for the team.