Two-time Indy 500 champion Takuma Sato has a ride for the 2022 season, joining Dale Coyne Racing with RWR. Sato will drive the #51 Honda, which was driven by Romain Grosjean and Cody Ware last year. Grosjean left Dale Coyne Racing with RWR for Andretti Autosport.
Sato’s statement on joining Dale Coyne with RWR said. “I am extremely excited that we were able to work out a deal with Dale, Rick, and everyone at Dale Coyne Racing,” shared Sato. “With Honda an integral part of Dale Coyne Racing, it seemed like a great fit. The team has proven year after year that they are very competitive on all types of circuits.”
Sato added, “Particularly, the speed that team has shown in recent years at the Indy 500 were very impressive. I am really looking forward to working with my new environment and can’t wait to get started.”
The 44-year-old from Tokyo, Japan, spent six years with Formula 1 before jumping to IndyCar in 2010 with KV Racing Technology. He won two poles for them at Iowa and Edmonton.
In 2012, Sato joined Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, picking up two podium finishes in his only season. Sato scored his first IndyCar win in 2013 at Long Beach with Andretti Autosport.
His signature win came in 2017, winning the Indianapolis 500 for A.J. Foyt Racing and again in 2020 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan in his second stint. Sato has started in 198 races with ten poles, six wins, and 14 podium finishes.
Co-owner Dale Coyne on Sato joining the team said. “Takuma has shown that he is one of the best drivers to ever race in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Winning the famed Indianapolis 500 twice, we look forward to competing with our package of a good car with a great driver in the 500 next year. All of us on our team welcome the very talented Mr. Sato into our fold for 2022.”
Co-owner Rick Ware on Sato said. “I am excited to have Takuma join the Dale Coyne Racing with RWR Family for 2022. Takuma’s experience within motorsports is extensive, not just in the United States, but around the world. With Takuma’s experience, and vast knowledge of the cars, we are really looking forward to stepping up the program and having a successful season, and maybe even add another INDIANAPOLIS 500 win to his list of achievements.”
The 2022 NTT IndyCar season starts on Sunday, February 27th, from the streets of St. Peterburg on NBC.
