Motorsport: Dario Franchitti set to stay with Ganassi team

Published on Monday 28 December 2009 09:42

BATHGATE'S Dario Franchitti will this week confirm he will remain with the Target Chip Ganassi team as he bids to win back-to-back IndyCar Championships.

The 36-year-old Scot, who won five races on his way to clinching the 2009 crown in the thrilling winner-takes-all finale at Homestead in Florida, pipped his Ganassi team-mate Scott Dixon to the title by just 11 points.

"I'm certainly hoping to do the same again in 2010," said Franchitti, who was in Edinburgh recently at the Scottish Motor Racing Club awards to pick up the Callands Trophy for the Scot, who has performed best in an international championship.

"Racing with Ganassi this season was a fantastic experience and to win the title at my first attempt with them was terrific and felt every bit as good as my first championship in 2007.

"I think next season will be tougher because teams like Andretti and Penske will have upped the stakes; those guys are definitely getting closer and closer.

"But we just need to keep our heads down, keep working and stay ahead of the pack."

Franchitti gets his 2010 IndyCar season underway when he tackles the opening race on the streets of Sao Paulo in Brazil on 14 March.