Ebrahim secures 2012 Indy Lights racing seat

Armaan Ebrahim has become the first Indian racer, to secure a seat in the Indy Lights Series after being selected by Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) team for the 2012 season.

Three weeks after winding up his Formula 2 campaign in Austria, the 22-year old Ebrahim participated in an intense day of testing in Indianapolis, USA, with the BHA team, the reigning champions of the Indy 500 series, on Tuesday.

Ebrahim drove over 100 laps, clocking top speeds exceeding 270 kmph at the Putnam Park Road Course.

"It has been five years since I drove a car without a paddle shift and I was quite amazed as to how quickly I was able to adapt to the car. Though not as nimble as a GP2 car, it is a great car to drive and I was able to put in quick laps fairly soon," Ebrahim said.

Team owner Bryan Herta said, "Armaan acquitted himself very well with the Indy Lights car today. Although it is quite a bit different than some of the cars he has driven recently, he was quickly on the pace and we were pleased with the feedback he was able to provide to his engineers."

"Based on today, we are actively working to put a programme in place around Armaan to not only make him the first Indian driver on the grid of the Indy Lights Series, but also ultimately the first Indian driver in the winner's circle," he added.