IndyCar has managed to persuade Firestone to remain as the series' tyre supplier for two more years through to 2013, reversing last week's decision by the company to pull out.
JR Hildebrand celebrated his move to the reigning champion AFS/Andretti Green Racing team by clinching his first Firestone Indy Lights pole in qualifying for race one of the Grand Prix of St Petersburg double-header.
IndyCar tyre supplier Firestone will introduce an element of strategy to the series road and street course events by supplying an 'alternate tyre concept' at all seven such rounds in 2009.
European 'exile' Charlie Kimball has revealed that he is to return to racing in his homeland this season, after inking a deal to join the burgeoning Firestone Indy Lights series with Team PBIR.