Hunter-Reay re-signs with Andretti
Ryan Hunter-Reay has secured a new deal with Andretti Autosport and will stay with the team through to the end of 2012
The American started the 2010 IndyCar season with a part-time deal with Michael Andretti's squad, but in the event enough sponsorship was found to keep him on board for the full campaign. He ended Andretti's victory drought by winning in Long Beach, and went on to take seventh in the championship.
Despite primary sponsor IZOD reducing its backing, Andretti has been able to secure enough funding to commit to Hunter-Reay for a further two years.
"We're thrilled to be able to sign Ryan to a multi-year contract," said Andretti. "He is a driver that has earned the right to have that kind of stability and we feel very fortunate to know that he will be a major piece of our foundation going forward.
"Ryan proved this year that he was the perfect choice to join our team. Not only did he substantially contribute to our engineering and set-up capabilities, he is a threat to win at every circuit we race on.
"We recognised early on that Ryan is that 'total package' both on and off the track and that is why we all worked so hard to keep Ryan for the full season this year. It's gratifying to know that all that hard work has paid off in a big way today."
Hunter-Reay said he was thrilled to have long-term stability for the first time in his career.
"I couldn't be happier knowing my future is with Andretti Autosport," he said. "In what looked to be just a partial 2010 season, this team worked incredibly hard to make the full season a reality and the results speak loudly of our potential together.
"I cannot say enough about the professionalism of this team across the board, both competitively and from a commercial perspective.
"Starting the job in October, rather than in March, will be a luxury I've never had before. I look to add to my four Indycar wins and become a title contender throughout the season."
Both Andretti and Hunter-Reay believe a 2011 title shot is achievable.
"It will be fun preparing for the 2011 season knowing that we have a solid programme with Ryan," said Andretti. "We need to work to get stronger as a race team and put ourselves in a position to compete for our fourth series championship. Ryan will be a major part of that effort."
Hunter-Reay added: "Michael has taken the reins of this team, knows what he wants to accomplish and how to get there. Anything less than wins and challenging for the championship next year would be unacceptable.
"With that said, we all recognise there is a lot of work to be done to bring the team back to that level."
Andretti has also confirmed Danica Patrick and Marco Andretti for 2011, but has parted company with 2004 series champion Tony Kanaan.
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