Rahal Letterman Lanigan today announced that Pippa  Mann will join the team for three IZOD IndyCar events later this year.

The Firestone Indy Lights race winner and 2011 Indianapolis 500 rookie  will drive the RLL #30 Dallara/Honda/Firestone at the Loudon, Kentucky and Las Vegas races. The 27 year-old Briton will complete two tests with the team as part of the  program, the first of which will take place at Loudon’s New Hampshire Motor Speedway on 5th July.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to get back into an IndyCar this year, with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” said Mann. “The team has a great history in IndyCar, and a reputation that precedes them for consistently fielding fast cars.

“After I completed my Indy 500 program, I didn’t know what lay ahead for me, and I’m delighted not to have had too much time off before getting back in an IndyCar.  I’m especially happy to have the opportunity to return to Kentucky Speedway – where I won in Firestone Indy Lights last year.  Loudon and Las Vegas will both be new tracks for me,  so that’s really exciting, and I’m looking forward to the test in New Hampshire in just three weeks time!”

Team co-owner Bobby Rahal added: “Pippa showed her skills in Indy Lights last year, but we were also impressed with the way she handled herself at Indianapolis this season. She showed patience during the month and kept finding speed in the car, and her racing resume has shown that she will continue to get better every time she puts in a lap. We are looking forward to seeing her progress as the year goes on.”

Last month, Mann became the first British female to qualify and compete in the Indy 500, where she battled from 31st on the grid to finish in a solid 20th place.  “I would like to thank Conquest Racing and Eric Bachelart for giving me my first opportunity to drive an IndyCar, and for making it possible for me to run at the Indy 500 this year. One opportunity often leads to another, and I will always credit and be grateful to Eric for being the person who had enough faith in my abilities to give me that very first run.  I  had an amazing month in Indianapolis and owe such a huge part of that to Eric and the team.”

For further information or images please contact Hannah Griffiths at Palindrome Sports Tel: +44 (0)7815 176587  /   Email: Hannah@palindromesports.co.uk