A.J. Foyt Racing announced earlier this week that Takuma Sato will continue to drive the No. 14 ABC Supply Honda in 2014 for the team.
“It is great news that I will continue to drive with ABC Supply/AJ Foyt Racing next year,” Sato said. “We had some great results in our first year. I know what the team is capable of and what I am capable of in the coming season.”
Last season, Sato brought Foyt his first victory since 2002 when he dominated the Long Beach Grand Prix. He also brought the team their first pole since 1998 when he won the pole for the Houston Grand Prix.
A.J. Foyt Racing also confirmed veteran chief engineer Don Halliday and performance Raul Prados will be on board with the team for the third straight year.
“Working with A.J., Larry, Don and all the boys (and, of course, ladies!) is just fantastic,” Sato continued. “This team is really special for me. I always felt that the team was behind me and it gave me the confidence to go for the win in races. I’m very excited to continue to build this great relationship. We know what we need to focus on next year. We are anxious to test the new Honda engine–from what I hear, the engine will put us in a great position to be up front more often in 2014. I am convinced that we can be a contender in the Championship.”
Sato started off the season with three top 10s in the first 10 races, though failed to finish inside the top 15 in the final nine races of the season. Three crashes, as well as three engine failures took the Japanese driver out of contention.
“Having everyone back next year is a big plus for our team,” said Foyt. “We came out strong but then had some problems midway through the season. We are making changes so we will get stronger as the season goes on, which I believe is the key to being one of the contenders in the title race.”
If A.J. Foyt Racing wants to go after the championship, they will need to look for consistancy and raining in their determined young driver.
Sato will be one of the drivers taking place in the test at Sebring Raceway tomorrow.
