Takuma Sato, long-rumored to have signed with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, officially signed with the Bobby Rahal led outfit. Sato, whose highlights from 2011 include a pair of poles, will join the team after competing with KV Racing Technology each of the last two seasons.

"I’m very proud, motivated and excited to be chosen by Bobby to join his big project,” Sato said. “This team I feel has got huge potential. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has got a great history and record of winning so my motivation is ever so high and I am extremely thrilled to start the new season. With a new car for everybody, I am confident that we’ll be up to speed very quickly."

Rahal, whose team will compete for a full season for the first time since 2008, is excited about the combination's potential. “RLL is extremely pleased to welcome Takuma to our IndyCar Series team for 2012, and we anticipate having a very strong season together,” he explained. “While we were determined to have an experienced driver for this season, we also needed someone that knew how to get to the front and Takuma has shown that he can do that, and we expect to have a great opportunity to win races this year. He has made great strides through the last two seasons in IndyCar and I have no doubt that we can produce a strong effort with him leading the team.”