Andretti Green Racing has announced it has signed Christian Fittipaldi to co-drive its #26 XM Satellite Radio Acura in the American Le Mans Series beginning in 2008.
Fittipaldi, who teamed with Michael Andretti to create a formidable duo at Newman/Haas Racing from 1996 through 2000, comes to Andretti Green's ALMS programme with an impressive racing resume that includes experience in
Formula 1, CART, NASCAR and sports-car racing.
He will join Bryan Herta as the team's other full-time driver of the car
"I am definitely looking forward to this new challenge in my career," said the Brazilian, who for the past five seasons has driven sports cars in Grand-Am, winning the 2004 Rolex 24 Hours.
"I was talking to Michael about how five or six years ago we were team-mates and now he has a team and I am driving for him.
"It is going to be different for us, though, because when we were team-mates we had to work together and at the same time there was that internal rivalry that you always have in a team. But now, we are 200 percent on the same side.
"I think 2008 is going to be a really good season for Andretti Green. I am very motivated to do everything I can to get XM and Acura back into the winner's circle."
Andretti Green Racing chairman, Michael Andretti meanwhile is confident the 36-year-old will be a real asset, as the team looks to step-up a level following a successful first year in the ALMS in 2007.
"When you're hiring a driver, you want to think that he is going to be fast. But, when you're hiring a driver that you used to race against and were team-mates with, you know he is going to be fast," added Michael.
"For sure, that is why we're excited to welcome Christian to the AGR XM Acura family
"We need to go to the next level with our ALMS programme in 2008 and we feel like this is a great step in that direction."
