Juan-Pablo Montoya returning to IndyCar?

In 1999 and 2000, between his title gleaned in F3000 and its arrival in Formula 1 in Williams, Juan-Pablo Montoya flew the colors of Chip Ganassi Racing in CART. As proof, his title won the first year and his victory as a rookie at the 500 Indianapolis 2000. Dismissed at the end of the season by Chip Ganassi Racing, the team whose colors he defended in Nascar since 2006, could Montoya register again for the start of this legendary event next year? Nothing impossible, since he has been in contact since last week with Andretti Autosport, one of the leading teams inIndyCar Series.

“I had a discussion with Juan, and I said, 'Hey, let's try to put something together,' declared Michael Andretti to the American news agency The Associated Press. I drove against him, and I think he's one of the best I've ever raced against. It all depends on sponsorship. If a possibility is found, I would really like to do something with him. I think he could bring the same thing as in the past. When he was riding, it seemed like half the fans in the stands were waving flags in support of him. The first time he arrived in Nascar, the effect was enormous. He's a great personality, and he could add something to IndyCar because he's definitely the type of person who never gives up. »

But we are still far from a signature between the two parties. The line-up of drivers fielded by the reigning champion team of the series is still pending marketing decisions. While there is no doubt that outgoing champion Ryan Hunter-Reay and boss's son Marco Andretti will still be around in the coming season, the contract of James Hinchcliffe and his major sponsor GoDaddy.com is coming to an end. But the Canadian and the team want to continue the adventure together. What will also happen to EJ Viso, and also to Carlos Munoz, who defends the team's interests in Indy Lights while having finished second in the Indianapolis 500 last May for his first participation in the test? “There is always the possibility of entering five cars, Andretti says. We can do this without any problem as long as a viable deal is found. »

The return of Montoya to the queen discipline of car across the Atlantic would certainly be a huge attraction for a championship which already has no shortage of interest.