Bryan Herta Autosport and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing opt for Lotus power for 2012 IndyCar season
Indianapolis 500 winning team Bryan Herta Autosport and series regular Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will join HVM and newcomer Michael Shank Racing in running Lotus engines in next year's IndyCar Series
Lotus announced Herta and Dreyer & Reinbold alongside HVM in Las Vegas on Thursday. The deal marks Bryan Herta's squad's debut as a full-time entrant after its shock 2011 Indy 500 win with the late Dan Wheldon. The team also carried out the initial development work with the 2012 Dallara.
"Obviously, this is an incredibly exciting step for us," said Herta. "Our goal all along has been to build our foundation to eventually compete as a full-time entrant in the series.
"To partner with Lotus, which has such a rich history and tradition in racing including at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is just tremendous. All of us are looking forward to working closely with Lotus to support their efforts."
Dreyer & Reinbold has competed in IndyCar since 2000, winning in its debut race but not adding any further victories since. Team co-owner Dennis Reinbold is convinced the Lotus engine will be a competitive choice.
"To enter into a partnership with Lotus as a factory partner team is a huge step for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing," Reinbold said.
"In working closely with the team at Lotus over the past few months, we have had unique access and awareness of their strong commitment to the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500. Many of our collective efforts are already underway and we could not be more enthusiastic about this off-season's testing and development programme."
Lotus' director of motorsport operations Miodrag Kotur said the firm was delighted with its initial line-up of teams.
"We're thrilled that these already successful and illustrious teams have chosen Lotus, as we believe that our capabilities as a partner will pay dividends for them in the future," he said. "These three teams have immediately become part of the Lotus legend and have joined us in our journey as one of the most innovative and successful sports and racing car brands in the world."
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