On Tuesday, Rahal Letterman Lanigan announced on Twitter they have parted ways with two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato. This was Sato’s second stint with the team. He raced for them in 2012 and 2018-21.
The 44-year-old from Tokyo, Japan, wrapped up his twelfth season in IndyCar. Before coming to IndyCar, he raced in Formula 1. Sato made 198 career races winning ten poles, six races, and fourteen podium finishes. He won three poles, four wins, and ten podium finishes in his two stints for RLL.
Bobby Rahal thanked Sato. “It was a privilege and an honor to have Takuma with us twice over the years. We appreciate the commitment and the energy he brought every day to the track and to everything that we were doing as a team. Of course, we are forever indebted to him for bringing the PeopleReady car home first in the 2020 Indy 500. It was a special moment for me personally, for Mike and his family, and for our entire team. What a fantastic victory.”
Rahal added, “I always enjoyed working with Takuma. His dedication and commitment to not just his craft but also the team was unquestionable. We wish him all the best on his next opportunity. I would like to think we will always remain, friends because we just enjoyed each other’s company.”
Mike Lanigan’s statement on Sato said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Takuma, not only for his capabilities on the track but also how he handles himself off the track.”
Lanigan added, “I will always be grateful for what he has done for the team and for the success he has brought, particularly for winning the 2020 Indianapolis 500.”
Takuma Sato thanked RLL on social media. “Thank you, everyone, at Rahal Letterman Lanigan. It was a truly honor to drive #30 car to the absolute on the limit all the time. My 30 boys did always an amazing job, and I will never forget the time we had together. Our relationship and memories are forever. Thank you again for all your support.”
Rahal Letterman Lanigan did not announce Sato’s replacement.
