Andretti hire free rookie
IndyCar rookie of the year James Hinchcliffe has managed to secure a deal with Andretti Autosport for 2012 season.
Last Updated: 11/01/12 9:09am
IndyCar rookie of the year James Hinchcliffe has managed to secure a deal with Andretti Autosport for 2012 season.
The 25-year-old Canadian will replace Danica Patrick, who made the switch to NASCAR in October.
Hinchcliffe had registered three top-five and seven top-ten finishes with Newman-Haas Racing last season, before co-owner Carl Haas made the shock decision to release him.
Hinchcliffe, though, was delighted when Andretti offered him a contract.
"I've known Marco Andretti since we were 13 years old, and Ryan Hunter-Reay is one of the easiest guys to get along with in the paddock," he said.
"It's a strong line-up and it's a perfect fit."
Perfect
Andretti Autosport have gone five seasons without winning a points title or Indy 500 but they are now one man closer to completing their team.
"James is a perfect fit. He came out No.1 overall on all the available rankings," said marketing chief John Lopes.
"James is tech-savvy, fast, got a good, large online presence and is that right, edgy personality we think will work."
Team owner Michael Andretti believes that Hinchcliffe, who finished 12th in last season's overall standings, has what it takes to strengthen his squad and develop his own racing to move up the leaderboard in 2012.
"He will definitely grow and thrive with Andretti Autosport," he said.
"Even in his rookie year in IndyCar, he proved a great competitor. I look forward to seeing what he is capable of in the next few months."
