Montoya to join Arrows McLaren SP for 2021 Indy 500

Former McLaren F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya will reunite with the Woking-based outfit for the 2021 Indianapolis 500.

Montoya, who has won twice the blue riband event at the Speedway - in 2000 and 2015 - will join Arrows McLaren SP for the 105th running of the greatest spectacle in racing, the Columbian running in the team's third entry alongside works drivers Pato O'Ward and Felix Rosenqvist.

"I’m very excited to be joining Arrow McLaren SP for the Indianapolis 500," said Montoya. "I have some great history with McLaren from my F1 days and I’m looking forward to making some more at next year’s Indianapolis 500."

©WRI2

The 45-year-old Montoya will return to the Brickyard for the first time since 2017 when he finished the event sixth.

"Arrow McLaren SP is thrilled to have a driver of Juan’s caliber join the team for next year’s Indianapolis 500," said Arrow McLaren SP co-owner Sam Schmidt.

"His experience will elevate the entire team, including our young, talented lineup of Pato and Felix. When you think that he’s only started the Indy 500 five times but won it twice, that’s impressive."

Read also: Magnussen to head to the US for Ganassi IMSA gig

Montoya's first win at Indy in 2000 came as he was a rookie racing for Chip Ganassi racing while his second win was achieved in 2015 with Team Penske.

Montoya raced for McLaren in F1 in 2005 and 2006, securing three wins with the team.

"I’m delighted for Juan to rejoin the McLaren family and return to the Indianapolis 500 with Arrow McLaren SP," said Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing.

"He is an intensely competitive, highly versatile driver, with deep experience at the top level of motorsport and a big following. Having him with us at the 500 next year will be great for the team and INDYCAR fans everywhere."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.