Matt Brabham eyeing 2016 Indy 500

Matt Brabham

21-year old Matt Brabham is closing in on an IndyCar deal for 2016, which will include the Indy 500.

"I'm pretty confident we can get it all done for the Indy 500," he told Motorsport.com.

"I'm definitely a lot closer than I was last year. Obviously the Indy Lights stuff didn't quite work out this year; I got in for a couple of races but then ran out of budget to finish of the season.

"Going into next year we have a full program together, and we're working night and day and throwing everything we have at it. We've had way more response this year, going into next year, than we had last year."

"The Indy 500 is the focus at the moment, and if we get that done we can start expanding on it," he added.

"The first thing after that would be the road course at Indy, we're building that into the programs and everything we're trying to do."

"It's an ongoing relationship (with the Andretti team), they're really nice to me and they've been really helpful with my career."

"I wouldn't be where I am without them, and they understand that too.

"But at the end of the day, [Michael Andretti] said to me ‘if any opportunities arrive in any other team, you have to take it. We can't guarantee you a spot. We understand that, and you have to understand that, so don't put all your eggs in one basket with us.'

"So we have to stay open to other teams in the paddock, and wherever the opportunity lies, we're going to take it."