INDYCAR: Ana Beatriz Set To Join Wilson At DRR

IndyCar

INDYCAR: Ana Beatriz Set To Join Wilson At DRR

Brazilian hotshoe Ana Beatriz is confirmed as Justin Wilson's teammate for the 2011 season at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.

Marshall Pruett | Posted March 03, 2011 Fremont, CA

Beatriz appears to be slated for a full season with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, with sponsor Ipiranga returning to support her effort. (LAT)

The IZOD IndyCar Series will bolster an already impressive roster of top-caliber female drivers as Brazil's Ana Beatriz was announced today as Justin Wilson's teammate for the 2011 season at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, piloting the Ipiranga-sponsored No. 24 entry at all 17 rounds.

"I'm definitely thrilled to have my deal done with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and Ipiranga," said Beatriz. "It's a dream come true that this has all come together. Last year was important for me to run four races to get adjusted and for this year I feel more prepared than ever. It's great to be back at DRR, they know me already and what it takes to make me grow as a driver. I have to thank Andre, Cesario, Dennis and Robbie for making this happen and Ipiranga to trust in my career. I'm very much looking forward to the 2011 season."

Beatriz spent 2008 and 2009 training in the Firestone Indy Lights Series driving for Sam Schmidt Motorsports, earning two wins and finishing third in the FILS championship in her first season in the category.

Beatriz, right, adds to the dearth of female talent in the IndyCar Series, with Danica Patrick, left, and Simona De Silvestro, middle, serving as the most successful women in open-wheel. (LAT)

In 2010, the 25-year-old joined Dreyer & Reinbold for four rounds in the IndyCar Series, racing in the No. 23 Dallara-Honda for the team at São Paulo and Indianapolis.

'Bia' later took part in two additional races in DRR's No. 24 entry as a replacement for the injured Mike Conway, racing at Chicago and the Homestead-Miami season finale.

"The No. 24 car has special meaning to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and we are elated to partner with Bia and Ipiranga full-time in 2011," said DRR co-owner, Dennis Reinbold. "Bia is a true professional in and out of the car; we couldn't think of a more appropriate fit to our organization and all of our partners."

Partnered with the highly respected Wilson, Beatriz stands to learn a lot from the Briton in her first full season of IndyCar competition this year. Working in tandem, the two should impress on road and street courses while continuing to improve the team's pace on ovals.

"I'm as excited as I've ever been," said fellow DRR co-owner Robbie Buhl. "I think this is the best focus we've had in years. We've put ourselves in another great position to have two very competitive entries and we couldn't be happier. Bia is an exceptional driver and we are thrilled to have her on board with us. It's also great to have Ipiranga join us and we look forward to building our partnership with them."

READ: INDYCAR: Wilson Focused On Ovals In 2011

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