[h=2]Lemans 2018 Montoya confirmed for Le Mans with United Autosports[/h]
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."