Franchitti joins Klein Tools/Jim Beam squad.

As expected, Dario Franchitti is to switch to the Klein Tools/Jim Beam team for the 2006 Indy Racing League season as he enters his third year of competition with the Andretti Green Racing squad.

With Marco Andretti moving into the team - and into the ArcEx colours raced by Franchitti during 2005 - the Scot will attempt to take the title in the colours of former team Dan Wheldon, who secured both the 2005 IRL title and Indianapolis 500 in the Jim Beam car before moving on to Chip Ganassi at the end of the season.

"I'm very excited to be driving the Klein Tools/Jim Beam car in 2006; a car that has won the IndyCar Series championship," Franchitti said. "Both Klein Tools and Jim Beam have been a part of Andretti Green since the beginning and have shown tremendous dedication to our program.

"I'm looking forward to working with my new and old team-mates, challenging them for the championship and putting Klein Tools and Jim Beam back into victory lane several times in 2006."

Richard T. Klein Jr, chairman and chief executive officer of Klein Tools said the company was delighted to have Franchitti at the wheel for the new season adding that he felt confident that the Scottish driver would be in the reckoning for the championship title.

"Klein Tools is looking forward to having Dario behind the wheel of our race car," he said. "We've been associated with Dario for a long time and have every reason to believe that he will be one of the favourites to win the Indy Car Series championship in 2006. Winning the championship last year was a great feeling; winning two in a row would be that much better."

Keith Neumann, senior brand director of Jim Beam Brands was also pleased with confirmation that Franchitti will be in the car for 2006.

"Not only is Dario a talented driver and a great competitor, he also shares many of the same values that Jim Beam bourbon and its consumers do," he said. "He has integrity and sincerity. He is motivated and passionate about his craft.

"These are all qualities upon which the Jim Beam brand is built."