Mann gets three-race Rahal deal

The 27-year-old Indy Lights graduate made her series debut at the Indianapolis 500 with Conquest Racing, finishing 20th. She will join Bobby Rahal's team for IndyCar's return to Loudon in August, then the final two events of the year at Kentucky and Las Vegas.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to get back into an IndyCar this year, with Rahal Letterman Lanigan. The team has a great history in IndyCar, and a reputation that precedes them for consistently fielding fast cars," Mann said.

"After I completed Indianapolis, I didn't know what lay ahead for me, and I'm delighted not to have had too much time off before getting back in an IndyCar. I'm especially happy to return to Kentucky Speedway - where I won in Firestone Indy Lights last year.

"Loudon and Las Vegas will both be new tracks for me, and I'm looking forward to the test in New Hampshire in just three weeks time."

Rahal's team was a winner in both Champ Car and IndyCar - including victory in the 2004 Indy 500 - but has not competed full-time since 2008. This year it fielded Jay Howard at Indianapolis and Texas in collaboration with Sam Schmidt Motorsports, and also led the Indy 500 and finished seventh with Bertrand Baguette.

Team boss Rahal said he had been impressed with Mann's career progress so far.

"Pippa showed her skills in Indy Lights last year, but we were also impressed with the way she handled herself at Indianapolis this season," said Rahal.

"She showed patience during the month and kept finding speed in the car, and her racing resume has shown that she will continue to get better every time she puts in a lap. We are looking forward to seeing her progress as the year goes on."