Takuma Sato - Switch To IndyCar

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Sato visited the Indianapolis 500 in May 2009. He signed with KV Racing Technology to drive in the 2010 IndyCar Series season finishing in 21st place, he signed for the same team for 2011.

2011 has seen Sato display the same raw speed that was evident in the other categories he has contested. Working with teammate and mentor Tony Kanaan, he has managed to claim pole positions at Iowa and Edmonton. However, he still seeks his elusive first win as he continues to be plagued by accidents.

During the 2012 Indianapolis 500, Sato contended a win all day and attempted to pass race leader Dario Franchitti going down the front straightaway taking the white flag. He pulled to the inside of Franchitti in an attempt to beat him to turn one in order to get the preferred racing line. Being the final lap of the race neither driver wanted to give way. When both drivers reached the turn Sato had no choice but to drive down on the apron of the track. Sato lost control of his car due to the lack of grip, spinning into the turn one wall. Though slight contact was made between the two drivers, Franchitti managed to maintain control of his vehicle until the yellow flag came out declaring him the winner. Though the incident may have been thought by some as an illegal move on Franchitti's part for blocking which is an illegal move in IndyCar, IndyCar Officials declared the incident legal moments later, giving Franchitti his 3rd Indianapolis 500 Victory and placing Sato in 17th place unable to finish due to damage from the incident.