Briscoe confirms IRL switch
Former Toyota Formula 1 test driver Ryan Briscoe has officially confirmed that he will make the switch to the IRL IndyCar Series this season with Chip Ganassi Racing - teaming up with Scott Dixon and Darren Manning. Autosport originally predicted the news last month
Briscoe has seen his F1 ambitions thwarted for the time being, after he failed to raise enough sponsorship money to land a grand prix seat in 2005, and will switch to the IRL after impressing in recent tests for Chip Ganassi Racing. He is scheduled to join the team for this week's Indy Racing League open test at Homestead.
"I'm really excited about this opportunity," said Briscoe. "It's a fantastic step forward in my career and I am really looking forward to it. F1 was still an option until I got the opportunity to test with Ganassi. I want to be out there winning races and there is no doubt in my mind that with the Ganassi team we can be in contention every race weekend.
"There is a lot to look forward to this year, but I am especially pumped about the Indy 500. It's just one of those races that all drivers put on their 'to do' list. It will be amazing to take part in that race with a top team like Chip Ganassi Racing. I can't wait."
Briscoe will be the third Australian to compete in the IRL IndyCar Series after Brad Murphey in 1996 and John deVries in 2002.
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