Wheldon to stay at Panther for 2010

The 2005 Indianapolis 500 and series title winner had returned to Panther - where he had started his IndyCar career at the end of 2002 - this year but was unable to threaten the dominant Penske and Ganassi teams.

Wheldon's only podium finish was second at Indy and he finished 10th in the standings. That lack of form led to speculation that the 31-year-old would look elsewhere for a 2010 seat, but Panther has now confirmed that Wheldon will be retained.

The Briton is optimistic that he can have a much more successful season next year.

"I feel like we made some progress towards the end of the season, after some struggles, that shows we're heading in the right direction," said Wheldon.

"My goals are to win races. Obviously we haven't achieved everything we wanted for the season, so for next year I'd like to build on the momentum that we've created this year and make it a winning season."

Team owner John Barnes is adamant that Panther will be able to raise its game in 2010.

"What I can tell you is that we're going to be fighting tooth and nail to improve," he said.

"We've got a group here that we really like, and I've made clear in the last two weeks what my expectations are for our team and driver."