Manning to return with Foyt

The Brit has been without a full-time ride since being dropped by Chip Ganassi Racing during the middle of 2005, when he was the highest-placed of their three drivers in the championship.

In the past Manning had ruled out going back to the series full-time. He had been chasing a drive in Champ Car, but only wanted to do the Indianapolis 500 in the IndyCar Series.

"I'm excited about returning to the IRL," he said. "Now everyone is running the same engines and mostly the same chassis the playing field is more equal.

"Plus, I have a lot of respect for AJ and his team is putting a lot of effort into making next year one of their best."

Foyt's team has struggled to run at the front in recent years, but the four-time Indy 500 winner is pushing hard to turn things around.

Next year is a big year for our team," said Foyt. "We've worked hard to put together a solid plan for 2007 and we are doing everything we can to get our programme where it needs to be."