At the IndyCar media day in Indianapolis last month, Helio Castroneves implied that his former teammate could return for more than just the 101st Indy 500.

Now Tim Cindric, Penske team president, has admitted there could be a plan in place to have the team’s 2015 Indy 500 winner in a car for the whole of May.

He told IndyCar.com's mobile app: “I would be surprised if we do anything [with the fifth car] before May.

“If we do anything it would be [to consider] do we do the road course race at Indianapolis or not. But I don't think we will do another race before May.”

Cindric also confirmed that as race strategist, he would be switching from Will Power’s #12 car to the #2 of Josef Newgarden this season, while team manager “Myron” – real name Jon Bouslog – will be coming in the other direction to call strategy for Power.

Cindric, who oversaw 17 of Power’s 29 wins, said: “As we look back, Will and I had a lot of good times but he will continue that without me. Will has won no matter who is in his pit and I think it's important to understand the transition.

“I looked at where our strengths are and where our experience is, Myron and I talked about it and thought we should switch this thing up a bit.

“If we don't get off on the right foot at least we will understand why. I'm confident the #12 car group will be just fine with or without me and the #2 car group is in a good place but I want to help make [Newgarden’s] transition the right one.”

Newgarden commented: “I'm excited to work with Tim. I respect him a lot within motorsports. He has done a great job with Team Penske. Look at the history with him being a team leader – they have a lot to stand on as a group. It's going to be exciting to work with him. I think he is a great leader and will probably help me be better at my craft.”

Said Bouslog: “It's a different opportunity to work with David Faustino [Power’s race engineer] and Robby Atkinson, the data guy and the rest of Power's crew. It's probably the best overall crew of people. I think I will learn a lot, to be honest with you.”

Roger Penske and Kyle Moyer will continue as strategists for Helio Castroneves and reigning champion Simon Pagenaud, respectively.