2-Time Indy 500 Winner Takuma Sato Gets New IndyCar Ride

Takuma Sato is back, before he ever really left the NTT IndyCar Series.

Sato, a 44-year-old, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, has signed a full-season deal with Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing, where he will replace Romain Grosjean. Grosjean is moving to Andretti Autosport to replace Ryan Hunter-Reay as part of IndyCar's offseason game of musical chairs.

For Sato, it's a new racing life. He was released from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in October. Sato was drive the No. 51 Honda. And the Indianapolis Star reports that Sato will pair with 2021 Indy Lights runner-up David Malukas at Coyne.

Sato has six wins and 10 poles in 198 career IndyCar races, dating back to his rookie season in 2010. His last win was the 2020 Indianapolis 500.

“I am extremely excited that we were able to work out a deal with Dale, Rick and everyone at Dale Coyne Racing,” Sato said. “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.”

Sato has six wins and 10 poles in 198 career IndyCar races, dating back to his rookie season in 2010. His last win was the 2020 Indianapolis 500. He comes to his new team after spending the past four years at Rahal Letterman Lanigan.

Prior to his move to IndyCar, Sato spent 2002 through 2008 in Formula 1.

"Takuma has shown that he is one of the best drivers to ever race in the NTT IndyCar Series," said team co-owner Dale Coyne. 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."

Sato, who turns 45 on Jan. 28, will be one of three drivers on the IndyCar grid over age 45 in 2022, joining 46-year-olds Helio Castroneves and Jimmie Johnson (Chip Ganassi Racing).