Mario Moraes Returns to KV Racing

In a last minute deal completed within the last 24 hours, Mario Moraes has signed with KV Racing for the full 2010 season. He will be the pilot of the No. 32 Banco Panamericano machine, switching car numbers from 2009.

Moraes will teammates with team newcomers Takuma Sato and E.J. Viso, who both tested with the team at Barber.

“We are very pleased to have Mario back in the seat with KVRT,” said General Manager Mark Johnson. “Mario showed last season he can be very competitive and is in the process of becoming one of the top talents in the series. He has grown and matured on and off the race track over the last year due in part to the support of his family and the many positive influences in his life. Mario finished the 2009 season with very strong results and I would expect more of the same starting this weekend in Saõ Paulo.”

Moraes enjoyed significant improvement with KV Racing in 2009, recording a best finish of third at Chicagoland, a major improvement from his troublesome 2008 season with Dale Coyne Racing. "I want to thank Kevin Kalkhoven, Jimmy Vasser and my sponsor Banco Panamericano for helping me and giving me this opportunity,” said the 21-year-old Brazilian. “Being in the car to start the season is very important for me especially since the first race is in my hometown. KVRT is one of the best teams in the IZOD IndyCar Series and I am looking forward to working with everyone on the team again. Hopefully we can continue the success we enjoyed at the end of last season.”