2018 Indy Lights champion Patricio O'Ward has joined Carlin for 13 events during the 2019 NTT IndyCar season, including the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500.
O'Ward will join the IndyCar grid at the second event of the season for the IndyCar Classic for the inaugural event at the Circuit of The Americas on March 22-24.
The Mexican was initially contracted to race for the Harding Steinbrenner outfit alongside Colton Herta, but a fallout with senior management led to his departure from the team just days before the 'Spring Training' test at CoTA in February.
It was rumoured Michael Andretti had offered O'Ward an eight-race deal to race with his Andretti Autosport outfit, but this was turned down to continue his search which led to the deal with Carlin.
Charlie Kimball will fill in the second seat at Carlin where O'Ward won't be competing.
Speaking about the deal, O'Ward said. “I’m so excited to get this 2019 NTT IndyCar Series season underway and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that Trevor Carlin has given me to drive for his Indy car team and Team Chevy.
“I’m just thankful that he and the whole Carlin team really believe in me, and I’ll give it my all to show them that I’m ready to tackle any challenges ahead of us starting in a few weeks at COTA.
“I just don’t think I can properly express how excited I am for this opportunity.
“It’s been very stressful past few weeks given my circumstances, and it’s been a bit of a hustle trying to find a new home in the NTT IndyCar Series for myself, but I couldn’t be happier about landing at Carlin.”
