IndyCar

Sato makes Andretti Autosport switch for 2017

1 Mins read
Takuma Sato - Credit: Chris Jones / IndyCar

Takuma Sato will remain in the Verizon IndyCar Series for 2017 after the Japanese racer was finally confirmed in the fourth seat at Andretti Autosport on Friday.

Sato replaces Carlos Muñoz in the #26 Honda-powered machine, with the Colombian already having moved to AJ Foyt Racing, the team Sato had raced for since 2013 up until the end of 2016.

Previously, he had raced for both KV Racing Technology and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in the championship having spent prior to that a number of years in Formula 1 with Jordan, BAR and Super Aguri, all with Honda backing.

“I am extremely excited that we were able to work out a deal with Michael and Andretti Autosport,” said Sato. “With Honda an integral part of Andretti Autosport, it seemed like a great fit.

“The team has proven year after year that they are ultra-competitive on all types of circuits. Particularly the speed that team has shown in recent years at the Indy 500 were just incredible. I am also very impressed on how aggressively they have addressed their needs for 2017, and am really looking forward to working with my new environment and can’t wait to get started.”

Team Owner Michael Andretti has welcomed Sato to the team, where he will join Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Alexander Rossi, and believes the one-time race winner can help the team grow both on and off the track in 2017.

“I think joining the team will be a new and positive opportunity for Takuma,” said Andretti. “He’s not yet had the chance to be part of a larger team where the drivers collaborate; our four drivers and team of engineers working together has bred success for us in the past and has helped many drivers develop on track.

“Takuma has strong racing experience and we are looking forward to providing a team atmosphere where he can continue to grow, develop and be successful.

“One of the things I am looking forward to the most about working with Takuma is his open personality. He is very friendly and encouraging to work with, his personality will be a strong addition to the team and I think he will work very well alongside Ryan, Alexander and Marco.” 

13760 posts

About author
Long time motorsport fanatic, covering Formula 1 and the occassional other series. Feel free to give him a follow on Twitter at @Paul11MSport.
Articles
Related posts
IndyCarOpen Wheel

Dale Coyne Racing adds Harvey, Braun and Siegel in split 2024 schedule

2 Mins read
After months of speculation, DCR announced its 2024 driver lineup on Tuesday, just three days before cars are on track for the first race of the IndyCar season.
IndyCarOpen Wheel

Marco Andretti returns to the #98 for 2024 Indy 500

1 Mins read
IndyCar veteran Marco Andretti will attempt to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 this year the same way he has for the past three: as a one-off affair with Andretti Global’s (formerly Andretti Autosport) #98 car.
IndyCarOpen Wheel

Gil de Ferran, 1967-2023

3 Mins read
Gil de Ferran, 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner and two-time CART series champion died on Friday at 56.