Andretti: Hunter-Reay is top of list

The American driver has been strongly linked with a deal with Andretti's reorganised squad via his personal sponsorship deal with the IndyCar Series' new title backer Izod. It is believed that the clothing company is keen to help him find a competitive drive.

Andretti said Hunter-Reay was currently at the top of the list for his fourth car, which was driven by Hideki Mutoh this year.

"We have a lot of interest in Ryan for sure," said Andretti.

"If it would all work out, it would be great. I think he'd be really a good addition to our line-up, and I think he could help push the other ones and make us all better. That would be our first choice at the moment."

He denied that a deal with Hunter-Reay was already near completion, but is highly optimistic that his team will still field four cars.

"I feel good that we're going to get something," said Andretti. "We still have a way to go, but it's still early. I think we have a real good shot at having four cars."

Former Champ Car frontrunner Hunter-Reay took his first IndyCar win with Rahal Letterman Racing at Watkins Glen in 2008, but the team pulled out of the series at the end of the season.

He secured a last-minute Vision Racing deal for 2009 and finished second in the opening round in St Petersburg, but then had to make a mid-season switch to AJ Foyt's team when Vision ran short of finance.