Tony Kanaan Signs de Ferran Dragon Racing Deal in IndyCar

Former IndyCar champion Tony Kanaan has managed to secure his future in the North American premier open-wheel racing series after announcing a new deal with de Ferran Dragon Racing. The Brazilian racer has been pushed into free agency by former team and long-time employer Andretti Autosport in late October, and had been looking for a new squad ever since.

For the 2011 IndyCar season, Kanaan will drive the #2 car formerly driven by Raphael Matos. Additionally, team owner Gil de Ferran admitted that he is pushing for a 2-car entry next season, on the condition some further sponsorship could be secured in time.

“I don't want to call Gil Santa, but this is really a great Christmas present for me,” said Kanaan, who did a test for de Ferran Dragon Racing in mid-November.

“I am really excited to be working with de Ferran Dragon Racing I have a great deal of respect for (team co-owners) Steve Luczo, Jay Penske and, of course, Gil, who I have known for many years both as a driver and now as a team owner.”

Needless to say, the same optimistic comments on the new partnership were expressed by de Ferran also, who admitted that signing an experienced driver like Kanaan will help the team enormously with its development through 2011.

“This is a great signing and a major coup for de Ferran Dragon Racing,” said de Ferran. “He is a proven champion and brings with him a great record of success on the track.”

“Tony has consistently placed at the sharp end of the field for more than a decade and shows no signs of letting up. I am sure his contribution to the team, both in terms of speed and experience, will be invaluable to our development and future success.”