Rene Binder joins Juncos on four-race IndyCar deal

Ex-GP2 and Formula V8 3.5 racer Rene Binder will make his debut in the Verizon IndyCar Series later this year after signing a four-race deal with new team Juncos Racing.

Binder, 26, raced in GP2 between 2012 and 2016, recording a best finish of sixth, but enjoyed better success in Formula V8 3.5, finishing the 2017 season fourth in the final standings with two race wins to his name.

The Austrian driver will make his IndyCar debut at the 2018 season-opener in St. Petersburg in March before making further appearances for the rounds at Barber, Toronto and Mid-Ohio.

“I am honoured to be a part of the Verizon IndyCar Series for the 2018 season,” said Binder.

“I have been a huge fan of INDYCAR and what the series has to offer to me as a driver. I had a hard decision to make this year on which path I would take in my career, and I am confident that I made the right decision.

"Right now, we have signed for four races, but I hope to add more to our schedule as the season progresses. I would like to thank my sponsors, family and Juncos Racing for giving me this opportunity."

Juncos made its IndyCar debut at last year's Indianapolis 500, and has committed to returning to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the month of May with Indy Lights champion Kyle Kaiser, who has a further two races to be announced.