Lotus has confirmed it will return to the Indy car scene this year. Although full details are yet to be confirmed, it is expected a Lotus-branded team will run two Dallara-Hondas in the full IZOD IndyCar Series season under the "Team Lotus USA" banner, in a partnership with an existing team. Team Lotus USA will have no links to the Lotus-branded F1 team that is making its debut this year.
Autocar reports that Lotus, which has also concluded a partnership arrangement with Cosworth, is believed to be considering a bid to supply engines when the new Indy car chassis and engine formula begins in 2012. The Lotus/Cosworth partnership includes the supply by Cosworth of high-performance engines based upon existing Toyota powerplants for future Lotus cars, and the assembly by Cosworth of racing engines for all motorsport activities which are based on Toyota powertrains. The first application of these race engines will be for the V6 engine in the new Lotus Evora Cup racing car. A turbo V6 is believed to be one of the top contenders to be the new Indy car engine specification.
Lotus entered the Indy 500 between 1963 and 1969 with its own chassis powered by Fords, winning the event with Jim Clark in 1965.