Sebastian Saavedra has secured a return to the Indianapolis 500, with the Colombian racer linking up with Juncos Racing as team-mate to Spencer Pigot at the Brickyard.
The 101st Indianapolis 500 will be Juncos Racing’s first venture into the IndyCar series, after success in the lower categories such as the Pro Mazda Championship and Indy Lights.
Saavedra made his IndyCar debut back in 2010 with Bryan Herta Autosport at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and has since competed in 60 races with the likes of KV Racing Technology and Chip Ganassi Racing.
Despite limited success Saavedra did manage to secure pole position for the inaugural INDYCAR Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in 2014, however he stalled and was immediately taken out of the race.
“I’m incredibly blessed and incredibly grateful to Ricardo Juncos,” explained Saavedra about the team owner.
“We’re into an amazing program with amazing personnel with a real shot at being competitive, which we knew we weren’t going to be last year.
“We put all the effort that we didn’t put in last year into this year and it’s showing.”
Saavedra has insisted that he has matured somewhat since his last race in the series, when the 26-year-old Colombian finished 13th at the 2015 Grand Prix of Sonoma.
“From the first time I did it when I was 19, I’ve matured a lot,” continued Saavedra with a laugh.
“I had no idea. I did not get what the Indy 500 was. I accept that. I have no shame.
“With Ganassi, it really hit home. I was there and it was kind of like, ‘I need to understand how big this event is.’
“I’ve learned a lot. I’m an engineering maniac. I want to know absolutely everything that has to do with the car.
“So, I’m really trying to develop a car and develop a great relationship with engineering and the staff.
“That’s something that has evolved as well. I pinpointed every single component I wanted on this car and very few racers can say that.”
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