Chevrolet set to build aero kit too

A central element of the next generation regulations is that teams and manufacturers will be able to build their own bodywork and aerodynamics to fit onto the standard safety cell provided by Dallara.

So far only Dallara and Lotus have committed to creating aero kits, but at the announcement of Chevrolet's return as an engine supplier, Chevrolet marketing vice-president Chris Perry confirmed that his company intended to build bodywork too.

"We're working right now with the league to finalise the rules package," he said. "We do expect to work on an aero package. We have a lot of capability in our shop, in the tunnel.

"[We'll] also be working with Roger Penske and his team getting the best aero package we can within the rules. Once we get set by IndyCar, we'll be off and running."

Perry added that Chevrolet was confident it was returning to a growing series, and that it had a lot of faith that the new rules would accelerate IndyCar's recovery even further.

"First this series opens up a new, distinct fan base for Chevrolet in the motorsports community," Perry explained. "These fans are passionate about IndyCar and the technology that drives the sport and these teams.

"A return provides an important opportunity to expose our product and our technology to this well-educated, highly desirable audience.

"Second, the series is growing in interest and popularity. In the past year, male viewership in the 18 to 34 age demographic has raised 40 per cent.

"At the same time, the growth of sponsorship investments has more than doubled in one year's time. The advantage of motorsports for the auto industry is obvious. It provides some of the highest return on investment on any promotion that we conduct.

"The third reason, we know that the technology learnings we acquire by participating on the track with IndyCar will translate to the vehicles we produce today, and vice versa, creating a strong production technology relevance."