IndyCar: KV confirms Coletti

KV Racing Technology announced Monday that Stefano Coletti will compete for the team in the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series. Coletti, who tested with KVRT in February at NOLA Motorsports Park, will drive the No. 4 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet-powered entry and make his IndyCar debut at the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at the end of this month. The 25-year-old Monaco resident will drive alongside one of his boyhood idols, four-time IndyCar champion Sebastien Bourdais, who pilots the No. 11 KVSH Racing machine.

"I've always wanted to race in IndyCar and have the opportunity to live overseas," said Coletti (LEFT). "It's a great championship and the competition is very high! When I tested with KV Racing Technology at NOLA a few weeks ago, there was a great atmosphere and the whole team really welcomed me, so I can't wait to get to Indianapolis and start working with the No. 4 crew and getting to know everyone better.

"It's a great opportunity to be on the same team as a driver like Sebastien Bourdais, who his very experienced, very quick and a nice person to work with. I couldn't have asked for better for my rookie year! I really would like to thank Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser and also KVRT's general manager, Steve Moore, for making this possible and look forward to an exciting year with the team!"

KVRT co-owner Jimmy Vasser added, "We are very pleased and excited to add a driver of Stefano's talent to KV Racing Technology. Stefano has shown he can win at a very high level during his time in GP2 and we were extremely impressed with his knowledge and feedback during the test last month at NOLA. There will obviously be a learning curve, especially on ovals, but I think everyone feels that Stefano is up to the task."

Coletti made a solid impression during the two-day test at NOLA, Feb. 10-11. Despite having been in an IndyCar only once before, he quickly got up to speed and was second on the speed charts after the morning session on the final day. He ended the test tied for fifth of the eight Chevrolet-powered drivers there.

Coletti spent the last four years in GP2, often in close contention for the championship. He earned a total of eight wins (including one in the GP2 Asia series in 2011) and one pole in 90 GP2 races.

KVRT will return to NOLA Motorsports Park, March 14 to debut the new Chevrolet-developed aero kit before heading to Barber Motorsports Park for the Open Test, March 16-17. The season kicks off March 27-29 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of the Florida city.