Conquest Racing has announced plans to run a two-car team in the newly unified American open-wheel series.
The team, which debuted in the IndyCar Series back in 2001 and then took rookie honours with Laurent Redon in 2002, has spent recent seasons running in the Champ Car World Series but will now be one of the teams from Champ Car to sign up to IndyCar for the coming campaign.
"Finally, we have come together as one," team owner Eric Bachelart said. "It's been a long time coming and we can now all move ahead in the same direction under one roof. The work is only starting but now that there is solidarity in open-wheel racing it will make it that much easier to take this sport to where it needs to be.
"It's a great moment for open-wheel racing in general and for the fans and our sponsors. We are happy to be competing under the Indy Racing League banner with our other fellow Champ Car competitors against established IndyCar Series teams and we are also looking forward to the new challenge that this unification brings us.
"The first few races won't be easy, but we gladly accept the challenge. Thankfully we will not be in complete unknown territory having competed in the IRL in 2002. Obviously, the competition level has increased since then and there is a lot of work that needs to be done before we get to the same level as the IRL teams, but that's what racing is all about. We are really excited and can't wait to get to work on the Dallaras."
Champ Car Atlantic graduate Franck Perera will drive one of the teams cars having previously signed up to compete in Champ Car during the season ahead, with his team-mate to be named at a later date.
"I am excited that my managers at CJMotorsport were able to work a deal for me to continue with Conquest into the new merged series," the Frenchman said. "American open-wheel racing will be so much stronger and exciting for the fans having the teams back together again.
