Kolby signs Conquest Indy Lights deal

The team finished fourth in last year's championship with Brazilian racer Felipe Giaffone. Kolby, the 1996 British Formula Ford champion, will team up with another Brazilian driver, Nilton Rossoni, the reigning Barber Dodge series winner.

The team is owned by former racer Eric Bachelart, and the 22-year-old's testing programme will start at the Button Willow road course this week. Kolby had been expected to stay in F3000 with the DAMS team this year, but has decided to move across the Atlantic to further his career.

"Conquest Racing has proved before that it can win races," said Kolby. "Now I hope to make them say that they can win the drivers' championship as well. I am not moving to the States to take it easy and learn because whatever I do I want success, and Conquest is a first-class organisation who presented me with the best opportunity."

Bachelart said: "I am very happy to have signed Kristian as he has proven that he has the capability of securing titles, and that is what we will be expecting. It will be Kristian's rookie year which will be hard, especially on the ovals, but we have an extensive testing and development programme which will help him immensely. It will also help us provide him with the equipment he needs to secure success."

Kolby eventual goal is Champ Car racing, and he is already in contact with teams about a possible testing role.