Canadian veteran Alex Tagliani has signed with Bryan Herta Autosport for the upcoming 2012 IZOD IndyCar season.
We have learned that the former Sam Schmidt Motorsport’s driver has a two-year contract with BHA.
Bryan Herta Autosport is one of three official Lotus teams. Tagliani's engineer will be Todd Malloy.
UDPATE – INTERVIEW WITH ALEX TAGLIANI
“I am really, really happy,” Tagliani told Auto123.com during a phone interview Monday.
“Bryan (Herta) is a really good lad. I drove his car in last year's final race in Las Vegas and we qualified fourth. After that, Lotus' Gino Rosato, a Quebecer like me, call me and said my name was in the talks for the 2012 season. And the deal finally materialised. I am extremely proud to become a Lotus works driver. I'll have the chance to work directly with Judd Engines and John John to develop the Lotus engine. It's a fantastic opportunity,” Tagliani said.
“I will drive the Lotus car January 23 and 24. This will be an engine test session. We'll do whatever Lotus wants us to do. Then, Lotus will split the development work of the new chassis between its three works teams, stuff like wind tunnel, 7-post rig and suspension work. But since the new DW12 cars will be identical, the only thing that will make a difference in lap times will be the engine. But I have full confidence in Judd. Their twin turbo V-6 engine is light, compact and very well engineered. I know that there's a lot of work ahead of us but I look forward to a great season!” Tagliani added.
We have learned that the former Sam Schmidt Motorsport’s driver has a two-year contract with BHA.
 |
| Alex Tagliani set the pole position at the 2011 Indy 500. (Photo: IndyCar) |
Bryan Herta Autosport is one of three official Lotus teams. Tagliani's engineer will be Todd Malloy.
UDPATE – INTERVIEW WITH ALEX TAGLIANI
“I am really, really happy,” Tagliani told Auto123.com during a phone interview Monday.
“Bryan (Herta) is a really good lad. I drove his car in last year's final race in Las Vegas and we qualified fourth. After that, Lotus' Gino Rosato, a Quebecer like me, call me and said my name was in the talks for the 2012 season. And the deal finally materialised. I am extremely proud to become a Lotus works driver. I'll have the chance to work directly with Judd Engines and John John to develop the Lotus engine. It's a fantastic opportunity,” Tagliani said.
“I will drive the Lotus car January 23 and 24. This will be an engine test session. We'll do whatever Lotus wants us to do. Then, Lotus will split the development work of the new chassis between its three works teams, stuff like wind tunnel, 7-post rig and suspension work. But since the new DW12 cars will be identical, the only thing that will make a difference in lap times will be the engine. But I have full confidence in Judd. Their twin turbo V-6 engine is light, compact and very well engineered. I know that there's a lot of work ahead of us but I look forward to a great season!” Tagliani added.
 |
| AlexTagliani (Photo: Bryan Herta Autosport) |