Takuma Sato signs with AJ Foyt Racing

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - AJ Foyt Racing has signed Takuma Sato to drive the No. 14 Honda in this year's IndyCar season.

The signing announced Thursday fills the seat left open by Mike Conway, who said he didn't feel comfortable racing on ovals during practice for last September's season finale at Fontana.

Foyt said Sato's aggressive driving style caught his attention in last year's Indianapolis 500. Sato charged to the front of the field and challenged Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon in the closing laps, only to crash trying to pass Franchitti for the win on the final lap.

The Japanese driver has completed three seasons in IndyCar, winning two poles and five top-five finishes in 49 starts. His best finish was second in 2012 at Edmonton.