IPS: Rahal gets Indy GP support drive.

Graham Rahal will become the youngest driver to race in the Indy Pro Series after signing a deal to compete in the United States Grand Prix support race with Ken Hardley Racing.

Although Rahal, the son of legendary single-seater racer and IRL team boss Bobby Rahal, is only 17-years-old, the American can already claim to have competed in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix series, the Daytona 24 Hours race and also earlier this year become the youngest winner of a Champ Car Atlantic race.

While his age is supposed to prevent him from taking on the challenge of Indianapolis in normal circumstances when the series is attached to the Indy Racing League, the fact that they will be supporting the likes of Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso instead, means Rahal is able to get around that rule, albeit only for one race

With a desire to compete in as many disciplines as possible as he strives for experience above his years, Rahal is excited about the opportunity to take part in the Formula One support race and is out to impress some of the team bosses who may be casting an eye beyond the main fixture.

"My goal is to reach the highest level as a professional race car driver and for this I need to gain as much experience as possible of different types of car," he said. "The chance to drive in the Liberty Challenge Indy Pro Series race is a great opportunity for me, and has the added bonus of taking place in front of the world of Formula One, so I could be watched by team bosses and top F1 drivers!"

Having competed with the team in his Formula BMW days, Rahal is expecting his IPS induction to be tough but is confident he can show well.

"I think it will be challenging to drive the Indy Pro Series car, but I'm with a great team and can't wait to test later on this month with the guys at Kenn Hardley Racing. I drove here in Formula BMW two years ago, so I know the track, but I expect it to be fairly different with more horsepower under me."

Kenn Hardley is also excited to be welcoming back such an exciting prospect for the future. "We're excited to have Graham on board for this great race," the team owner said. "With Bobby Wilson as Graham's teammate, we have a very strong team and are looking for great results from both drivers."