UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Conquest confirms Tagliani for Indy

Canadian to make Indy 500 debut

Conquest Racing has confirmed Alex Tagliani as their driver for the Indianapolis 500. The 36-year-old Canadian will return to the seat of the No. 34 car for the month of May. Even though Tagliani is an open wheel racing veteran, he will contest the Indy 500 for the first time in his career.

"It's every driver's dream to be at the Indianapolis 500," said Tagliani, who has competed in two of the three IndyCar Series races this season. "As a kid, I never thought I would make it here and even later on in my career because of the split, so it has always remained a dream of mine. It's the one race that has always sat atop my list," the Canadian continues.

"Finally, more than nine years after my first start in a major open-wheel series race, I will get to experience all that surrounds the famous Month of May and get to experience it during the kickoff of the Centennial Era Celebrations, which makes it even more memorable."

Starting tomorrow, Tagliani will join the rookie orientation programme that will give him his first taste of Indy.

"No matter how much experience you have behind the wheel, when you race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time I think it's easy to feel like a rookie," Tagliani said. "It's such a unique track, there's nothing else like it."

As Conquest face a tough challenge gathering the necessary sponsors, the rest of the 2009 season hangs in balance for both Eric Bachelart's outfit and Alex Tagliani. The team are looking for a strong run at Indy to boost their season hopes.

Filip Cleeren

Written: Mon, 04 May 2009 19:08:44