Robert Doornbos will race for Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing in the 2009 IndyCar Series. The Dutch newspaper 'Het Algemeen Dagblad' reported yesterday the Dutchman has signed a contract at the outfit.
Robert Doornbos returns to American open wheel racing. The 27-year-old former F1 driver was in talks with Newman/Haas/Lanigan for the past few weeks and according to the newspaper, the deal has finally materialised. Doornbos, nicknamed Bobby D across the pond, is set to make his debut in the IndyCar Series.
After a succesful adventure with Minardi Team USA in the final Champ Car season, Doornbos was unable to find a ride in the unified IndyCar Series for 2008. He spent last year competing in the new Superleague Formula, finishing second in the championship for AC Milan. He currently drives for Team Netherlands in A1GP.
As the economic crisis hits many IRL teams, Doornbos is another driver who had to buy his way into the series. It has been reported the Dutchman may have to bring as much as three million euro to NHL for a full-time ride. The team previously announced it had to scale back from two cars to just one if it couldn't find a sponsor-backed driver.
By signing Doornbos, Newman/Haas/Lanigan will most-likely continue as a two-car operation, as several reports suggest their former star driver Sebastien Bourdais is set to keep his Toro Rosso drive in Formula 1. The 2009 IndyCar season kicks off on 5 April in the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
UPDATE:
Robert Doornbos' management issued a statement saying the deal is as good as done, but nothing has been signed yet. It is expected an official confirmation will come in the next couple of days.
Filip Cleeren
Written: Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:10:05
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