Saavedra signs IndyCar deal

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. Dragon Racing has signed Sebastian Saavedra to partner Sebastien Bourdais for the 2013 IndyCar season.

The 22-year-old Colombian will drive the team's #6 entry in what will be his second full season of IndyCar.

"I have been watching Sebastian's rapid progression through the various series and I truly believe he is the perfect team-mate for Bourdais," said team owner Jay Penske.

"I look forward to seeing the results of their collaboration, and seeing them both on the podium many times this year."

Saavedra, whose entry is backed by TrueCar, said that he is confident of a successful future with the team.

"I'm extremely excited about this new chapter in my life, and very thankful to everyone who made it a reality," he said.

Together with Sebastian and Jay's dynamic approach to building a winning franchise, [it] makes me a strong believer in Dragon Racing's future, and our ability to win championships together."

02/08/13 Word on the street is that Sebastian Saavedra has signed an IndyCar deal for 2013. We had him listed on our 2013 IndyCar Silly Season page as possibly driving for Gary Peterson's AFS Racing team in conjunction with Andretti Autosport. However, now that Andretti recently announced a 4th car for EJ Viso in conjunction with HVM, we are not sure if the AFS deal would still be in conjunction with Andretti. Maybe with Dale Coyne?