Four-time series champion Sebastien Bourdais has signed a two-year deal with KVSH Racing to replace Indianapolis 500 winner Tony Kanaan.

The contract gives team principals Kevin Kalkhoven, Jimmy Vasser and James “Sulli” Sullivan hope that KVSH can compete for titles going forward now that it has a driver that is tied for second with Mario Andretti and Dario Franchitti for series championships.

“Sebastien is a proven champion and we look forward to working with him to produce more championships,” Kalkhoven said.

Kanaan won the Indianapolis 500 in May with KVSH, but decided to leave for Chip Ganassi Racing next year. KVSH acted fast in offering the same deal it offered Kanaan to three-race winner James Hinchcliffe.

When Hinchcliffe decided KVSH’s timeline was too fast, the team moved on to Bourdais, winner of four consecutive Champ Car titles from 2004 through 2007.