IndyCar driver Takuma Sato has been hired as an executive advisor of Honda Racing Corporation, the global motorsport arm of the Japanese manufacturer and Formula 1 power unit supplier.

Sato, who has been linked with Honda throughout his career, will compete in this year’s Indy 500 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in the quest for a third victory in the event.

His appointment mirrors a similar move at Toyota where former F1 racers Kazuki Nakajima and Kamui Kobayashi have both been given management roles.

Sato has long been involved in young driver programmes in his role with the Honda Racing School, whose graduates include RB driver Yuki Tsunoda.

The company says that Sato will “provide advice and support in formulating driver development strategies and programmes Honda will pursue inside and outside Japan, race entry plans and the operational structure for racing activities.”

He will also have a marketing role as HRC will “leverage Sato’s experience and knowledge as a world-class racing driver and strive to further enhance the HRC brand image.”

Although Honda’s statement doesn’t expressly mention its future works involvement with Aston Martin, Sato drove for the Silverstone team in its Jordan days in 2002, his first season at the top level.