Takuma Sato and Jack Hawksworth will both race for A. J. Foyt Racing once again in 2016 after the team confirmed an unchanged line-up for the new IndyCar season.
Foyt expanded to a two-car entry for 2015 and will continue with both of its existing drivers into 2016, as announced by team president Larry Foyt.
“We’re happy to have both Takuma and Jack continuing with us next season because we know they have the talent to win races,” Foyt said.
“Maintaining that continuity and building on what we started last season should show immediate benefits.
“This winter we are focusing on putting all the pieces in place to not only win, but to be a championship calibre team.
“The consistency of keeping our nucleus together while strengthening our weak points should give us some very competitive ABC cars in the upcoming season.”
Sato made his IndyCar debut back in 2010 before joining the Foyt team three years later, and has scored one win and two podium finishes during his time with the team.
“It is an absolute honour to be continuously driving for AJ Foyt Racing,” Sato said. “I just appreciate that A.J. and Larry have given me such a fantastic opportunity to drive for this team. I have had great memories with the team and am very happy to add many more.”
Hawksworth joined Foyt for his sophomore season in IndyCar in 2015, recording a best finish of seventh place in each of the Dual in Detroit races, and is confident of achieving better things in the coming year.
“We know there is a large amount of work to be done if we are going to compete regularly with the top teams next season,” Hawksworth said.
“It’s clear though that the team is already making steps and I’m excited about what George Klotz can bring to the table in 2016.
“It’s far too early to make any predictions but I’m optimistic that if we can have a strong winter program then we’ll certainly put ourselves in a stronger position than this past season.”
Klotz was confirmed to be joining Foyt at the team announcement, taking up the role of team director after spending 15 years with Andretti Autosport.
“I think they are so close to breaking out, and I think that is the feeling throughout the paddock,” Klotz said.
“All of the elements are there, we just need to get everything aligned and I think I can help Larry with that.
“He’s done a great job to get the team to this point and I’m excited by the possibilities and the guys seem excited too.”
In another intra-team personnel move at Foyt, Don Halliday moves from the role of chief engineer to technical director ahead of the new season.
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