Carlos Munoz will return to Andretti Autosport in 2018 to contest the 102 Indianapolis 500. Munoz left the team at the end of 2016 to drive for AJ Foyt where the team struggled to adjust to the Chevrolet aero-kit. Munoz made his IndyCar debut for the Andretti squad in 2013 where he finished 2nd ultimately earning him a full-time seat for the 2014 season. In his time at Andretti, Munoz would secure 1 win at the first race of the Belle Isle doubleheader in 2015 and another runner-up finish at the 100th Indianapolis 500 in 2016.
“I am very excited to be a part of Andretti Autosport again,” said Munoz. “The team has been like family to me since day one when I joined them five years ago to race Indy Lights. We have been so close to winning the Indy 500 – twice with the team – so I am especially excited to be back for that race and hopefully, we will have a good result this year. I need to thank Michael [Andretti] and J-F [Thormann] for believing in me and wanting me to back in their car for the Indy 500. I am also excited to be back with my teammates, and I think we will continue to work really well together. We have six cars, so hopefully, we will have a strong team working with the new aero kit. I am really looking forward to it. Hopefully, we can finally get that win we’ve been so close to.”
It was known before Munoz left the team at the end of 2016 that the decision to depart was not idle as both parties tried to keep the young Columbian on the team for 2017. With the reunion, only a year after the fact both sides excited and enthused to try and win the 102nd Indianapolis 500.
Team owner and CEO Michael Andretti said: “We’re thrilled to have Carlos back in an Andretti car for the Indy 500. There is no denying that Carlos has talent at [Indianapolis Motor Speedway], he’s finished runner-up twice and that has fueled his determination to get to victory lane. He has already built relationships with his teammates and many of those on our crew, so it should be a seamless process for our six cars when they head out for the first time together.”
With the Andretti Autosport lineup now complete the team will see Carlos Munoz along with Ryan Hunter-Reay, Alexander Rossi, Zach Veach, Marco Andretti, and Stefan Wilson all trying to achieve the teams sixth Indianapolis victory.
Image Credit – Shawn Gritzmacher – IndyCar
