Montoya links up with United Autosports for Le Mans debut

Juan Pablo Montoya has secured his Le Mans 24 Hours debut with United Autosports to give the Colombian his first sight of claiming the Triple Crown in motorsport.

The 42-year-old will race alongside Will Owen and Hugo de Sadeleer in the #32 Ligier JS P217 run by Anglo-American squad United Autosports for his Le Mans debut.

With Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500 victories already to his name, it is the first chance Montoya will get to clinch the prestigious Triple Crown in motorsport, and is hopeful for “a shot at a win” despite competing in an LMP2 challenger.

Last year LMP2 squad Jackie Chan DC Racing almost pulled off the ultimate shock at Le Mans having been leading in the closing stages before being reeled in by the recovering Porsche LMP1 squad but the Chinese team were still able to clinch a double overall podium.

“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 at Le Mans last year,” Montoya said having seen United Autosports finish fifth overall and fourth in the LMP2 class. “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.”

United Autosports co-owner and Chairman Zak Brown is thrilled to secure the 42-year-old’s services for Le Mans and sees him as a key asset to the squad’s chances this June.

“Juan Pablo has been around racing for a long time now and he knows what it takes to win,” Brown said. “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.”

“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,” Richard Dean, team co-owner and managing director, echoed. “He’s a great character so I have no doubt that he will fit into the team well at Le Mans.

“Although it will be his first Le Mans venture, he has a vast amount of racing experience, including wins at the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indy 500, meaning this Le Mans venture could be a chance for him to win the Triple Crown of motorsport.”

United Autosports has secured two entries to the 2018 Le Mans 24 Hours, entering the #32 Ligier JS P2 with Montoya, Owen and de Sadeleer and the #22 Ligier JS P217 with Phil Hanson, Filipe Albuquerque and a third who is yet unconfirmed driver.