Rahal Letterman Sign Baguette for 2011 Indy 500

Bertrand Baguette might not have secured a full-time deal in the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series, but the Belgian will make the grid in the most important race of all, the Indy 500. 2009 Formula Renault 3.5 champion was confirmed on Wednesday as the driver of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing's second car in the event scheduled for late May.

“This is a very good opportunity for me and it is important for me to compete in the 100th anniversary of this great race,” said Baguette, who made his debut in the series last year with Conquest Racing.

“To be there with a team of the calibre of Rahal Letterman Lanigan is very exciting. They have great people and a rich history and I know we can do great things.”

During his rookie season in the series, Baguette recorded a personal high 10th place finish at Kentucky, while ranking 22nd in his first ever Indy 500 race. That latter performance could have been improved however, hadn't it been for a mirror that had fallen off his car, which needed several minutes of repairing in the pits. He eventually finished the season in 22nd place.

“We anticipate an exciting month at Indy with a pair of young drivers that are hungry to make their own marks in IndyCar,” added Bobby Rahal, whose team will also field Jay Howard the aforementioned event.

“Adding Bertrand to our line-up gives us a chance to make both entries stronger. Bertrand has shown throughout his career that he is a proven winner and he improves every time he gets into the car.”