Juan Pablo Montoya will make his return to single-seater competition this weekend when he lines up for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg for Penske.
The Colombian, who has spent the past seven seasons competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup for Chip Ganassi, has not raced an open wheel car since the 2006 United States Grand Prix for McLaren - a race he retired from after he got caught up in a multi-car incident.
Before his Formula One foray, he competed in the CART series for Ganassi, winning the title at his first attempt in 1999 before a switch to a Lola Toyota chassis and engine combination left him ninth in the standings, despite winning three races. He also competed in the Indianapolis 500 that year, and as with his CART title the year before, he won the IRL's showcase event at his first attempt.
The Colombian, who has spent the past seven seasons competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup for Chip Ganassi, has not raced an open wheel car since the 2006 United States Grand Prix for McLaren - a race he retired from after he got caught up in a multi-car incident.
Before his Formula One foray, he competed in the CART series for Ganassi, winning the title at his first attempt in 1999 before a switch to a Lola Toyota chassis and engine combination left him ninth in the standings, despite winning three races. He also competed in the Indianapolis 500 that year, and as with his CART title the year before, he won the IRL's showcase event at his first attempt.
Despite his wealth of experience, the Miami resident sees this season as starting a fresh. But although a lot has changed in the 14 years since he last raced in IndyCar, the veteran driver has set his sights firmly on returning to the winner's circle.
"I’ve been lucky enough that I’ve won in everything I’ve driven. I want to win,” he told indycar.com. “If you’re not in a winning car, there’s no point. At this point in my career, I cannot waste my time.”
Teamed with Helio Castroneves and Will Power who have both challenged for the title in recent years, there is no doubt Montoya has been given a car to win and Montoya is certain that the team is in the best possible position to deliver Roger Penske another IndyCar crown
"Helio is really strong on ovals and Will is good on road and street courses." He said. "I think Roger deserves the championship. The last three or four years they were close in the championship but just couldn’t close it, so with the addition of myself we can work together really well."
"I’ve been lucky enough that I’ve won in everything I’ve driven. I want to win,” he told indycar.com. “If you’re not in a winning car, there’s no point. At this point in my career, I cannot waste my time.”
Teamed with Helio Castroneves and Will Power who have both challenged for the title in recent years, there is no doubt Montoya has been given a car to win and Montoya is certain that the team is in the best possible position to deliver Roger Penske another IndyCar crown
"Helio is really strong on ovals and Will is good on road and street courses." He said. "I think Roger deserves the championship. The last three or four years they were close in the championship but just couldn’t close it, so with the addition of myself we can work together really well."
All three Penske drivers set top 10 times in the recent test at Barber Motorsports park, with Montoya less than a second off Power who set the pace.
Power, who himself is a three-time series runner up, expects Montoya to be on the pace this season.
"Montoya brings some good ideas; he’s very quick so it’s only help for us" said the Australian. "This series, he could win the first race quite easily. I expect him to definitely drive to the front everywhere, so if you’re at the front knocking on the door, eventually you’re going to get a win".
And, with Montoya's vast experience, there's little doubt he'll be up to speed and running at the front soon. As for race wins, the question is not if, but when he'll return to victory lane.
Power, who himself is a three-time series runner up, expects Montoya to be on the pace this season.
"Montoya brings some good ideas; he’s very quick so it’s only help for us" said the Australian. "This series, he could win the first race quite easily. I expect him to definitely drive to the front everywhere, so if you’re at the front knocking on the door, eventually you’re going to get a win".
And, with Montoya's vast experience, there's little doubt he'll be up to speed and running at the front soon. As for race wins, the question is not if, but when he'll return to victory lane.