Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing announced Friday that Dutch driver Robert Doornbos, 27, will join the team for the 2009 IndyCar Series season.

Doornbos competed most recently in the China and New Zealand rounds of the 2008/2009 A1GP series, finishing on the podium twice in his four races (one sprint and one feature race per round).

“I’m very happy and proud to get this chance to race with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing,” Doornbos said. “Racing in the IndyCar Series has been my biggest dream and especially to do it with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. The history of the team and the big success they have had in the past really attracted me and it makes me proud to become part of this winning team. Racing on the ovals should be very exciting. It will be tough, but I’m training as much as possible and am in good condition and ready to achieve results. I’m also excited to race in the legendary Indy 500. I really want to thank [Carl] Haas and [Michael] Lanigan for giving me this chance. I’m looking forward to the first race.”

“Mike and I are excited to add Robert to our lineup,” said team co-owner Haas. “He was a fierce competitor in Champ Car, and we are hoping for the same in the IndyCar Series. He was able to quickly adapt to the new challenges in Champ Car, which should bode well for the learning curve we will face in getting him acclimated to oval racing.”

The first test of the 2009 IndyCar season is scheduled for Homestead-Miami Speedway, Feb. 23-25, and will mark the first time Doornbos will drive on an oval.