As expected, Barber Motorsports Park looks set to be confirmed as part of the 2010 IndyCar Series schedule when IRL officials unveil their plans at this weekend's Kentucky Speedway round.

Although not yet officially confirmed by the series, Alabama's Birmingham News broke ranks to reveal that the circuit had signed a three-year deal for IndyCars to return after a successful pre-season test earlier this year.

It is expected that the picturesque road course will take up an early-season slot, potentially round three on 11 April, and could team up with the Grand-Am Rolex Series, which organisers are hoping to move from a troubled July slot. The circuit would only be required to erect debris fencing to bring it up to standard for the IRL.

Grand-Am officials have apparently expressed some doubts about moving the Porsche 250 event to second slot on their calendar, but the IndyCar Series says it has no problem sharing track time with the sportscars.

"We have no issue whatsoever," the IRL's Terry Angstadt said. "We're all about putting together a good show. We know there are lots of motorsports fans in the south-east, and this fills in a nice spot for us there."