Takuma Sato joins Coyne for 2022 IndyCar season

Takuma Sato’s next move in the NTT IndyCar Series will come with Dale Coyne Racing as the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner steps into the No. 51 Honda vacated by Romain Grosjean.

Sato joins the Illinois-based team for his 13th season of IndyCar racing which began in 2010 with KV Racing Technology and includes stops at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, A.J. Foyt Racing, Andretti Autosport, and a return to RLL through 2021.

"I am extremely excited that we were able to work out a deal with Dale, Rick and everyone at Dale Coyne Racing," said 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.

"Particularly the speed that team has shown in recent ears 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."

With his 2017 and 2020 Indy 500 victories as the centerpiece, Sato gives Coyne and co-entrant Rick Ware one of the team’s highest profile drivers to date. With Grosjean behind the wheel and Olivier Boisson overseeing the engineering, the No. 51 Honda earned one pole position and three podium finishes. Winless in 2021, Sato, who turns 45 in January, and DCRwRWR will look to forge a new winning tradition as one of IndyCar’s most popular elder statesman steps in to lead the two-car program.

"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," said team co-owner Dale Coyne.

Team co-owner Rick Ware added: "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."