Hamilton returns to Indy with Vision

The 44-year-old American will drive a fourth Vision Racing entry at Indianapolis, alongside team regulars Tomas Scheckter, Ed Carpenter and AJ Foyt IV.

"I'm really excited," said Hamilton, who has been employed as an IRL commentator and has also driven two-seater Indycars during his long lay-off.

"I've been trying to do this for the past two years. I've been ready physically to get back in a race car, but it's been difficult to get back rolling again.

"It was really three years before I couldn't even think about getting back in a car. But once I started feeling good, I still had that drive to do it.

"I'm a racer, and that's what I do. It's taken a lot of time to put this together, but now that it's here, I'm fired up. It's like I'm a rookie again."

Hamilton required 25 operations to reconstruct his feet and ankles after his accident in June 2001.

Vision boss and IRL founder Tony George said he was pleased to provide a car for Hamilton's comeback.

"Vision Racing is proud to be able to provide Davey with the opportunity to return to the cockpit in the IndyCar Series," George said.

"The decision to return to competition is a very big commitment for Davey, and I want to do everything possible to ensure that he has the best experience possible."

Hamilton was one of the first drivers to commit to the breakaway IRL in 1996, and twice finished runner-up in the championship during the series' formative years.