Tony Kanaan will be behind the wheel of an Indy car for De Ferran Dragon Racing in 2011, the race team said on Monday, making official talk that had been circulating for weeks.

The move unites Kanaan with friend and former competitive rival Gil de Ferran. De Ferran has said he's trying to assemble a package for Kanaan, the 2004 series champion who left Andretti Autosport in October after 7-Eleven did not renew its contract.

“This is a great signing and a major coup for De Ferran Dragon Racing,” said de Ferran. “It is fantastic that we have Tony on board. He is a proven champion and brings with him a great record of successes on the track. Tony has consistently placed at the sharp end of the field for more than a decade and shows no signs of letting up."

Kanaan said on Monday, ”I have a great deal of respect for Steve [Luczo], Jay [Penske] and, of course, Gil, who I have known for many years both as a driver and now as a team owner. I know that the owners have a passion for the sport and a dream of being among the best in the series and will assemble all the right skills to turn this team into something really special, and I want to be around for that."

Kanaan has 14 wins and 10 poles in his IndyCar career, not to mention several near-misses in the Indianapolis 500. He is expected to replace Raphael Matos at De Ferran Dragon Racing, with Davey Hamilton being his teammate for three races.