Andretti signs with Motorola and Green.

As rumoured, Michael Andretti will line up with Team Green in 2001, running a Reynard-Honda backed by communications giant Motorola.

The veteran American, who announced his departure from long-time employer Newman Haas Racing several weeks ago, was revealed as Team Motorola's sole runner at the outfit's Indianapolis base yesterday [Tuesday], confirming speculation that the sponsor would also part company with the PacWest team, where it has sponsored Mark Blundell for the past three seasons.

"We are proud and excited to announce our relationship with Michael, Honda and everyone at Team Green," said Motorola executive vice-president Keith Bane, "Combined this team of Champcar leaders is destined for success on the track. The opportunity to become involved with Andretti, hands-down one of the greatest names in Champcar racing, doesn't come every day."

Andretti will see out the current season with Newman-Haas, before lining up with his new partners at the opening round of next year's 22-race campaign. Two wins to date in 2000 have re-established the American's claim as the most successful of the current breed of Champcar stars, but he has another goal in his sights for his new relationship - his father Mario's all-time record of 52 victories.

"Needless to say, I'm excited to be working with Honda," he revealed, "It's reputation is second to none, whether it's in Champcars, Formula One, motorcycles, automobiles or other consumer products - and it's a thrill to finally work with them. With the support of everyone at Team Green, I'm sure that it's going to be a very successful partnership - on and off the race track."

Andretti will line up alongside recently re-signed Team Green regulars Dario Franchitti and Paul Tracy next year, albeit operating as a satellite team under the Motorola banner.

"We're very pleased the Motorola and Michael have joined Honda at Team Green," said the new outfit's boss Kim Green, "Motorola is a world leader in state-of-the-art communications, and they've been on of CART's most enthusiastic sponsors. The records of Michael Andretti and Honda speak for themselves, and I expect the combination of Team Motorola, Honda and Michael Andretti to be a formidable one."

Andretti is expected to run with the number 39 on his car next season unless, of course, he manages to land the 2000 Champcar title.