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Mutoh eyes full-time 2008 drive

Hideki Mutoh is optimistic that he can secure a full-time IRL IndyCar Series drive for 2008 after impressing on his championship debut at Chicagoland

The 24-year-old Japanese driver was promoted from Super Aguri Panther Racing's Indy Pro Series squad to race a third Panther IndyCar entry in the IRL season finale.

He qualified ahead of teammates Vitor Meira and Kosuke Matsuura in 13th place, then set the fastest lap of the race on his way to eighth.

"My goal was to finish top ten but that was like a dream, so I'm very happy that I was able to make that dream come true," said Mutoh.

"I enjoyed racing with other veteran drivers and I would like to thank the Super Aguri Panther team, spotter Mike Ford, team owner John Barnes and all our sponsors for giving me this opportunity."

Rumours have abounded throughout the season that Mutoh was being lined up to replace Matsuura, who has had a disappointing year, at Panther Racing in 2008.

"Nothing about next year has been decided, but hopefully I'll be able to step up into the IndyCar Series full time and start my new racing career here in this league," Mutoh said.

Alex Lloyd, who beat Mutoh to the IPS title, is expected to follow him into the IRL's premier category. The Briton has already tested for Chip Ganassi Racing and said in Chicago that he was on the verge of sealing a 2008 drive with an IndyCar team.

"We're working very hard on it and hopefully within the next two or three weeks we'll have something nailed down," Lloyd said.

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