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Ex-Formula 1 driver Juan-Pablo Montoya will tackle this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans with LMP2 squad United Autosports.
It will be his debut appearance in annual June event, sharing the Anglo-American team’s Ligier-Gibson JSP217s with United regulars Hugo de Sadeleer and Will Owen.
Already a winner of the Monaco Grand Prix, and two-time Indy 500 champion, the opportunity gives Montoya the chance of completing the unofficial triple crown of motorsport.
“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 last year (in fifth position),” said Montoya.
“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.”
“Juan Pablo has been around racing for a long time now and he knows what it takes to win,” added United chairman Zak Brown.
“I’m sure he will bring experience and speed to the team, which is exactly what we need for such a demanding race as Le Mans.”
Team co-owner Richard Dean is also looking forward to welcoming Montoya to the team.
“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 said.
“He’s a great character, so I have no doubt that he will fit into the team well at Le Mans.”
United is yet to announce a third driver to share its other car with Filipe Albuquerque and Phil Hanson, who are paired in the squad’s European Le Man Series entry.
Paul di Resta, who drove with United in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Sebring 12 Hours, is believed to be in contention to join the line-up.
The 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place on from June 16-17.
