Takuma Sato confirmed at Andretti Autosport for 2017 IndyCar season

Andretti Autosport has confirmed the arrival of Takuma Sato for the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series season, replacing Carlos Munoz.

Sato made his IndyCar debut back in 2010 with KV Racing before moving to A. J. Foyt Enterprises for 2013, where he won just his third race with the team at Long Beach.

After a disappointing 2016 campaign that yielded just two top-five finishes, Sato parted company with Foyt at the end of the year, making way for Munoz and Conor Daly to join the team.

The Honda-backed racer has now landed Munoz's old seat at Andretti, completing the four-car line-up for the American marque in 2017.

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"I am extremely excited that we were able to work out a deal with Michael [Andretti] and Andretti Autosport,” Sato said.

“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 team has shown in recent years at the Indy 500 were just incredible. I am also very impressed on 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."

"I think joining the team will be a new and positive opportunity for Takuma,” Andretti added. “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.”

Sato will race alongside Ryan Hunter-Reay and Marco Andretti at Andretti Autosport next year, with Alexander Rossi also featuring under the Andretti umbrella with Bryan Herta Autosport.