Juan Pablo Montoya Reunion With McLaren At The Indy 500

Older racer Juan Pablo Montoya (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Driver Juan Pablo Montoya will reunite with McLaren after deciding to join the Arrow McLaren team for the Indianapolis 500 racing event next year, the team announced on Wednesday.

The 45-year-old experienced jockey is part of the exclusive club of racers who have paved in Formula 1, IndyCar and NASCAR.

Montoya will be the third rider for the Arrow McLaren team, which also includes Mexican driver Patrico O'Ward and Swedish Felix Rosenqvist.

"I am very excited to join Arrow McLean for the Indy 500," Montoya said in an official statement quoted by Reuters from Reuters.

"I have a wonderful history with McLaren on the F1 circuit and can't wait to add new memories to next year's Indianapolis 500," he added.

Montoya was a McLaren-Mercedes driver in F1 in 2005 and 2006, where he recorded three of the seven F1 race victories in his career.

Prior to his debut in F1 in 2001, Montoya had already appeared in the Indy 500 a year earlier and recorded his first win, before winning again 15 years later.

After leaving F1, Montoya focused on NASCAR and raced for nine seasons with a record of two race wins.

Last year, Montoya competed at the IMSA SportsCar racing event where he helped the Penske Team win the title.

"I am happy that Juan is back in the McLaren family, defending Arrow McLaren in the Indy 500," said McLaren Racing Chairman Zak Brown.

"He is an intense competitor, a versatile racer with experience in various prestigious racing events. Being able to use his services at the Indianapolis 500 will be a great strength for our team as well as a pleasant experience for racing fans," he added.

Montoya last raced in the Indy 500 in 2017 when he finished sixth in the final standings.

Next year's Indy 500 race is scheduled to take place on May 30.