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Montoya confirmed for Le Mans with United Autosports

Wednesday, 28 March 2018


Stephen Kilbey / Image by Hone/LAT



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IndyCar and Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya will make his Le Mans 24 Hours debut this June, the Colombian now confirmed as a United Autosports LMP2 driver for the French endurance classic.


At Le Mans, Montoya will race alongside American racer Will Owen and his 2017 ELMS teammate Hugo de Sadeleer in the team's No. 32 Ligier JS P217.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity to experience Le Mans and I'm looking forward to joining United Autosports after they had such a strong finish at Le Mans last year," Montoya said. "I've always watched the race so I'm very happy to finally be part of it. Hopefully we can have a shot at a win."
As was previously reported by RACER, the 42-year-old Acura Team Penske driver has been eyeing the motorsport 'Triple Crown' for years now, and with Indy 500 and Monaco Grand Prix wins already under his belt, to obtain it, Le Mans is the only race left for him to win.
While he is unlikely to win the race overall in United Autosports' Liger, with the current breed of LMP2 chassis, it could be possible, as last year Jackie Chan DC Racing managed to finish second overall with an LMP2 class ORECA, due to the LMP1 class becoming a race of attrition.
Either way, through this run with the Anglo-American team, Montoya will gain valuable experience for a future entry in the top class.
United Autosports team owner Richard Dean added: "I watched Juan Pablo race against us at Daytona this year and was so impressed by him through the traffic, he definitely hasn't lost any of his speed or determination. He's a great character so I have no doubt that he will fit into the team well at Le Mans.
"Although it will be his first Le Mans venture, he has a vast amount of racing experience, including wins at the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indy 500, meaning this Le Mans venture could be a chance for him to win the triple crown of motorsport. Either way, I'm looking forward to welcoming Juan Pablo to the team."

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[h=1]Jackie Ickx named Grand Marshal for Le Mans[/h] Image by Andrew Ferraro/LAT
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By: Stephen Kilbey | May 11, 2018 9:17 AM

Jacky Ickx, six-time winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours, has been named the official Grand Marshal for this year’s running of the French endurance classic.
Ickx, who in his lengthy career competed in endurance racing, rallying and Formula 1, will lead the field out for its formation lap ahead of the race on Saturday afternoon as part of his position.

“Everyone knows that Jacky Ickx is a great driver and a great man and he will surely make a great Grand Marshal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2018,” said Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.

“The 60-car field will be following in illustrious footsteps. With Jacky Ickx leading the way, the race can only be a success. We are particularly proud that he has accepted the role. He is a father-figure in the endurance community.”

Ickx added: “I’m delighted to be able to take part in the event. Le Mans has always been kind to me. I’ve had many good times here, as a driver. I’ve also been race director and have been race starter too. This year, I shall be Grand Marshal. This race has always held something special to me, as a driver and as a person.
“It brings out the fundamental elements of driving. It’s about sharing, daring, focusing, friendship and fans. It’s intense and it’s extraordinary. I can see myself already, at the wheel, behind me a field of heroic drivers, amateurs and professionals.”