Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has announced that Takuma Sato will attempt to qualify for this year’s Indianapolis 500 in the team’s #75 entry.
Sato has contested every Indy 500 since 2010, including the past couple seasons as he has wound down his full time IndyCar career.
He continues to race in the biggest event on the calendar, and will do so again this year in an attempt to qualify for his 16th race.
“I’m very excited to return to the 109th Indy 500 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” said Sato.
“Once again, a heartfelt thank you to Bobby [Rahal], Mike [Lanigan], David [Letterman], and the entire organization for this incredible opportunity. I’m also deeply grateful for the continued support from AMADA as the primary sponsor, alongside Panasonic Automotive Systems, Niterra, Deloitte Tohmatsu, NAC, Honda, HRC, and all our loyal sponsors.
“The new #75 car carries over RLL’s historic design with a refreshed and dynamic new livery – it looks absolutely stunning.
“Last year was an incredible experience, reconnecting with the team, and this year, even more familiar faces have joined the effort, which makes this moment even more special and gives me great confidence. I can’t wait to get to work.”
Sato has won the Indy 500 twice, once with Andretti Autosport in 2017 and a second time in 2020 while driving for RLL.
This year will be the seventh time the veteran Japanese driver has raced the famous race with RLL.
The 48-year-old will have backing from Amada America, and his car will look similar to last year’s livery which he took to a 14th place result.
Sato’s entry makes for 34 confirmed entries for this year’s Indy 500, which means that qualifying bumping will take place once again.
The added drama brings an extra level of entertainment to qualifying weekend, during which one driver will be sent home without having a chance to start the race.
The 109th Indianapolis 500 takes place on May 25, with television coverage being provided by FOX.
