CCWS standout, Doornbos, optimistic of 2009 IRL drive

Robert Doornbos is confident that he can secure a full-time drive in next season's IndyCar Series.

The former Champ Car race winner has been linked with a return to the HVM team, who he won races for under the Minardi Team USA banner in 2007, but the Dutchman says he is talking to other teams as well, including former Champ Car champions Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing.

"I've been talking to HVM, but Newman/Haas/Lanigan are the team I've been in contact with the most," said Doornbos.

Newman/Haas only have the budget to run one car at the moment, with Graham Rahal set to drive it, and Justin Wilson has been told he is free to explore options elsewhere. But Doornbos believes he can put together a deal to fund a drive with the team with backing from Dutch bank ING.

"I want to be in the best team possible and I hope to have a deal signed this week, but I don't know who that will be with," he said. "I hope I can bring my ING relationship to the IRL in 2009."