Pippa Mann has confirmed that she will join Sam Schmidt Motorsports for the 2010 Firestone IndyLights series.

The 26-year old Briton recently participated in a number of tests with the team, following the finaleof her debut season in the series with Panther Racing, during which she scored a string of top 15finishes, including three top ten results.

Speaking about the move, Mann said: “I'm really excited to be joining Sam Schmidt Motorsports for2010. This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the top teams in the Firestone Indy Lightsseries, and I cannot wait for testing next year to kick off so we can get started.

“I had a tough rookie year in 2009, and my goal for the coming season is to bounce back from thatand show what I’ve learned over the last 12 months or so. With their vast experience and history ofrunning championship-winning cars, Sam Schmidt Motorsports is a perfect environment for me toaccomplish that goal.”

Team Owner Sam Schmidt commented: "The team is quite pleased with what we've seen in Pippaduring initial tests this off-season. Her pace and consistency has been good, and we're confidentthat we can provide Pippa with the tools that she needs to move up into the front part of the grid inthe 2010 season."

2010 will be Mann’s second season in the Firestone Indy Lights Championship. Prior to competingin the US-based racing series, Mann spent two years in the World Series by Renault 3.5 category,after a three-year stint in Formula Renault 2.0.