Indy 500-winning racer turned sports car team owner Gil de Ferran released a statement Friday in response to reports in the Indianapolis media that he is shutting down his de Ferran Motorsports team, based in Brownsburg, Ind. DFM, which has raced in association with Acura in the American Le Mans Series, had been expected to switch to the IndyCar Series next year, following Acura's decision to withdraw from the ALMS. While de Ferran admitted that those plans are now on hold, due to a lack of sponsorship, he denied that a final decision has yet been made to close down the team.
"I am working very hard to secure de Ferran Motorsports' immediate future and my plans to enter the 2010 Indy Car championship are still very much alive," de Ferran said. "I have continued to employ our staff until now while working toward our 2010 goals but, as of yet, I am not in a position to announce anything further. The staff have been kept fully informed of the situation and the current status was communicated to them yesterday. In the meantime, I am continuing to work on the 2010 program and will release further information when our plans are finalized.”
De Ferran Motorsports team leader Simon Pagenaud has already split with the team to remain in sports cars, having signed last week with former Acura ALMS rival Highcroft Racing for 2010. De Ferran himself, who raced alongside Pagenaud this year, announced at the end of the ALMS season that he was retiring once again as a driver.