Le Mans – Montoya confirmed at United Autosports

As we announced to you in preview in issue 2157 of AUTOhebdo, Juan Pablo Montoya will aim for the Triple Crown by participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 16 and 17 in the No. 217 United Autosports Ligier JS P32 alongside Will Owen and Hugo de Sadeleer.

While Fernando Alonso is also in the race for the “Triple Crown”, Juan Pablo Montoya remains in the best position to win it. At 42, the Colombian has already won the Monaco GP in 2003 and the Indy 500 in 2000 and 2015. The former driver Williams will be able to prepare for his first start at the Sarthe double clock since he is participating in theIMSA on a Team Penske Acura ARX-05 DPi. To date, only Graham Hill has managed to achieve such a feat.

“I'm looking forward to being at Le Mans with United Autosports after their great result last year (4th in LMP2 and 5th in the general classification). I have always followed this race and I am delighted to finally be part of it. I hope we have a chance to win”, commented the Colombian who will nevertheless have a hard time facing the private LMP1s and the two Toyota TS050 Hybrid.

“I watched Juan Pablo fight against us at Daytona and I was really impressed with his performance in traffic. He clearly hasn't lost his speed and determination, recognized Richard Dean, the co-owner of the American team. He's a great character and I'm sure he will adapt well to our team at Le Mans. Although this will be his first start, he has plenty of racing experience, including wins at the Monaco GP and Indy 500, indicating he has a chance at the Triple Crown. »

Ironically, Juan Pablo Montoya will aim for the Grail with the team of Zak Brown, Fernando Alonso's boss at McLaren which precisely helps the Asturian to obtain victory in the three major world races. The double world champion will, however, have a better chance of winning in Sarthe since he will be entered with Toyota Gazoo Racing.