Pagenaud to re-sign with Sam Schmidt

IndyCar newcomer Simon Pagenaud is the hottest prospect for the upcoming free agent market, but a senior Honda official said Friday he's sure the Frenchman will remain with Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports.

"Multiyear contract," said Roger Griffiths, technical director of Honda Performance Development. "Besides, he bleeds Hs (Hondas)."

Pagenaud's loyalty to Honda is believed to be similar to that of Dan Wheldon, who won two Indianapolis 500s and IndyCar's 2005 season title with the engine manufacturer.

Pagenaud said he leaves all contract talk to his manager, Derrick Walker, but he said his preference is to remain with Honda.

"I'm real close with those guys," the 2010 American Le Mans Series champion said. Indy Star