Sato makes Rahal switch

The 35-year-old former Formula 1 driver moved to IndyCar in 2010 after a seven-year stretch in F1 with Jordan, BAR and Super Aguri.

He spent two seasons with KV Racing Technology and became the first ever Japanese driver to claim pole position for an IndyCar race.

He made great strides in his second season with the team, racing under the Lotus banner, taking three top-five finishes, seven top-10s and leading 61 laps on his way to a 13th place finish in the drivers' championship.

However, Sato, who is backed by Honda, has switched teams as KV Racing, for whom Rubens Barrichello recently tested, will use Chevrolet engines this season.

His new team previously raced in the IndyCar championship as Rahal Letterman Racing, but hasn't contested a full season since 2008. The team was rebranded in December 2010 after Mike Lanigan became a co-owner.

"I'm very proud, motivated and excited to be chosen by Bobby to join his big project," Sato said.

"This team I feel has got huge potential. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has got a great history and record of winning so my motivation is ever so high and I am extremely thrilled to start the new season.

"With a new car for everybody, I am confident that we'll be up to speed very quickly."

Team co-owner Bobby Rahal added: "RLL is extremely pleased to welcome Takuma to our Indy Car team for 2012, and we anticipate having a very strong season together.

"While we were determined to have an experienced driver for this season, we also needed someone that knew how to get to the front and Takuma has shown that he can do that, and we expect to have a great opportunity to win races this year.

"He has made great strides through the last two seasons in Indy Car and I have no doubt that we can produce a strong effort with him leading the team."