Conquest Racing announced the signing of Colombian Sebastian Saavedra as the driver of its #34 Honda-powered Dallara for the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season.Saavedra has made quite an impression on Conquest Racing after making his Indycar debut with the Indianapolis-based squad in the 2010 season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. For that reason, he was chosen instead of veteran Paul Tracy or even the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights champion JK Vernay.
“I’m excited to be entering my first full season of IndyCar competition. I’ve been working a long time towards this and for it to finally happen is fantastic. I’m also very happy to be back with Conquest Racing. We had a good weekend together last year in Homestead and I really enjoyed working with everyone on the team. I can’t wait for the season to start. I know it won’t always be easy but I am up for the challenge.”
Conquest Racing, team owner Eric Bachelart commented:
“We’re delighted to have Sebastian back with us and this time for the complete season. It was a pleasure working with him last year in the season finale and again last week at our test in Sebring. Sebastian has done a great job both times that he has been in our car and I think we can expect some good things from him this season. We’re also happy to be keeping up our tradition of giving young up and coming drivers the chance to take their career to the next level.”
The 20-year-old competed for the first time in Indy Lights in 2009 with AFS/Andretti Green Racing, finishing third in the Championship with two wins. He was also crowned Rookie of the Year. Last year he competed with Bryan Herta's team and scored a single victory at Iowa Speedway.
