Conway eyes possible move to IndyCar
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| Mike Conway |
GP2 Monaco race winner Mike Conway could find himself on the grid for the Indianapolis 500, after revealing he may join America’s Indy Racing League (IRL) for 2009.
The Sevenoaks racer had a difficult 2008 in the GP2 Championship, despite picking up a win at Monaco in June. He finished the season 12th in the driver standings with 20 points.
Without a drive confirmed for 2009, the 24-year-old is seriously considering a switch to the IRL Championship following a successful test with Panther Racing in August.
Conway told Kent on Sunday: “The test I had over there was good as we ended up fastest and beat series champion Scott Dixon. It is something I am now seriously considering.
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| Mike Conway, shown above in his GP2 car, could make the step down to the slower (on road courses) IndyCars in 2009 |
After being signed up by the Honda Formula One team as part of their young driver program in January, Conway was hoping to be considered for a Formula One seat for next season.
The head of Honda, former technical director to Michael Schumacher, Ross Brawn told KoS in July that he would not shut the door on Conway’s future with the team.
However, with drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello unsigned for 2009, test drives have been awarded to fellow GP2 racers, Bruno Senna and Lucas Di Grassi so far.
The decision has prompted Conway to look as far as America for the 2009 season in a bid to prove he is good enough to race in Formula One.
He said: “I have been working with Honda a bit throughout the year, but I have heard no word from them about a Formula One test. I know they testing Bruno Senna and Lucas and I wish them the best of luck, but I am looking at other options for next season."
“I am still looking at GP2 but I have been looking at opportunities in America. Racing in America does not completely shut the door on Formula One."
If Conway does decided to cross the Atlantic for 2009, he will get the chance to compete in one of motorsport’s jewels in the crown – the 200 lap Indianapolis 500. Kent News