Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has confirmed that Takuma Sato will remain with the team for a third successive season in 2020.
Sato returned to the team in 2018 after a five-year absence and has since scored three wins on his return, including two so far in 2019 – in Barber and the World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.
The 42-year old joined the IndyCar series in 2010 after a stint in Formula 1. He has since made 168 starts during his 10-year stay which has yielded 12 podium finishes, nine pole positions and five wins.
The height of Sato's career so far was his victory in the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2017, when he narrowly fended off the experienced three-time winner, Helio Castroneves.
“We have been very pleased with the results and level of competition Takuma has shown this season,” said Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with David Letterman and Mike Lanigan.
“His two wins and two poles don’t fully indicate how competitive he has been overall this season and the fact that he was a contender at many other races. He is an integral part of our team which I believe we have shown. This decision allows us to keep the continuity and continue to build upon our program for 2020.”
“I am very happy to continue our path together again after this season,” added Sato. “Every single member of the team is extremely loyal and have given me unbelievable support. I truly feel at home here and I am so proud of the team.
“We have had another great season this year and even had some tough times but it only made our relationship stronger. I can’t thank Bobby, Mike, David and the entire team enough and I am looking forward to finishing the season strong and also looking forward to 2020.”
