By Tom Howard
Sevenoaks driver Mike Conway insists staying in the Indy Racing League was his top priority after missing out on a seat at Formula One champions Mercedes Grand Prix.
The 26-year-old this week agreed a deal to stay with Dreyer Reinbold Racing for a second season in America’s premier single-seater series, the Indy Racing League.
Conway was in contention for a possible Formula One drive after performing well during a test for Mercedes Grand Prix in December, but was pipped to the vacant race seat by seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.
The former British Formula 3 champion remains hopeful his performance in the test at Spain’s Jerez circuit during the winter will not be forgotten and he will be recalled to test for Mercedes Grand Prix in the future.
He said: “It was great to be called up by Mercedes Grand Prix in the winter. I enjoyed getting back in a Formula One car, but to be honest, securing a deal to stay in Indycar was my priority. I just hope Mercedes will call me back in the future if they need me.
“I’m pleased to have signed a deal with Dreyer Reinbold Racing and I’m really looking forward to the season. We should have a really good package to challenge in the championship.”
After an indifferent debut season in America, Conway is determined his second campaign will show a vast improvement and he is targeting top-10 finish in the standings this year. Last year he made a slow start to the season as he adapted to Indycar Racing, but by the end of the season he secured his first podium in the Grand Prix of Sonoma in August.
With the Dreyer Reinbold team drafting in new staff, Conway is excited about his prospects ahead of the new season.
He said: “There’s a real buzz about the team at the moment. A lot of new personnel have come in and it seems to have motivated everyone for a good season. This year I am looking to finish the year in the top-10 and secure my first win which I think is a massive goal for me and I hope many more will follow after it.”
Conway begins his Indy Racing League campaign with a trip to Brazil to take part in the inaugural Sao Paulo Indy 300 on March 14.
POSTED: 07/02/2010 10:00:00
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