Andretti Autosport confirms Sato for 2017

As first revealed by Motorsport.com in October, Sato’s eighth season in the Verizon IndyCar Series will be spent alongside Andretti Autosport incumbents Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti and Alexander Rossi.

Said team owner Michael Andretti: “I think joining the team will be a new and positive opportunity for Takuma.

“He’s not yet had the chance to be part of a larger team where the drivers collaborate; our four drivers and team of engineers working together has bred success for us in the past and has helped many drivers develop on track.

“Takuma has strong racing experience and we are looking forward to providing a team atmosphere where he can continue to grow, develop and be successful.”


Added Andretti: “One of the things I am looking forward to the most about working with Takuma is his open personality. He is very friendly and encouraging to work with, his personality will be a strong addition to the team and I think he will work very well alongside Ryan, Alexander and Marco.”


Sato, a 90-race Formula 1 veteran, has now made 118 IndyCar starts, with victory at the 2013 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach proving the highlight.  

The five-time polesitter said: “I am extremely excited that we were able to work out a deal with Michael and Andretti Autosport. With Honda an integral part of Andretti Autosport, it seemed like a great fit.

“The team has proven year after year that they are ultracompetitive on all types of circuits. Particularly the speed that the team has shown in recent years at the Indy 500 was just incredible. I am also very impressed by how aggressively they have addressed their needs for 2017, and am really looking forward to working with my new environment and can’t wait to get started.”