Carroll to race for Andretti Autosport

The team has not yet confirmed which of its entries he will drive, or how many and which races he will contest, but has announced the 27-year-old Northern Irishman as part of its 2010 line-up with a view to a future full-time seat.

"He is a special talent and someone who we believe will have a bright future with us at Andretti Autosport," said team boss Michael Andretti.

"It was important for us to give him an opportunity this year and start building for the years to come. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do later this year."

Carroll took Team Ireland to what turned out to be the final A1GP championship title, and is also a former Honda Formula 1 test driver, and multiple GP2 race-winner.

"It is gratifying to know that the success I've enjoyed so far in my career has drawn the attention of a team owner like Michael Andretti," he said.

"The IZOD IndyCar Series is clearly one of the most competitive formulas in the world right now and I'm looking forward to being introduced into the field later this year."

Andretti Autosport currently has Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick and Tony Kanaan in its full-time 2010 line-up.

Ryan Hunter-Reay - who won for the team in Long Beach two weeks ago - is only confirmed through to the Indianapolis 500 so far, but Andretti is optimistic that funding can be found to keep him on board all year. The squad is also running a fifth car for John Andretti at Indy.