Andretti Autosport confirmed on Thursday that it has signed E.J. Viso to drive its a fourth entry in the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series. Viso will drive the No. 5 Team Venezuela PDVSA Dallara-Chevrolet, joining Andretti's full-season efforts of reigning series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, James Hinchcliffe and Marco Andretti. The entry is a result of an off-season collaboration between HVM Racing and Andretti, resulting in a joint entry.
The unique three-way deal represents a win-win-win scenario with Andretti Autosport returning to its traditional four-car full-time lineup, Viso joining the championship-defending team and HVM Racing securing an arrangement that provides for continuation of its business in IndyCar as an incubation to a potential return in 2014 for the Indianapolis-based team owned by Keith Wiggins. HVM fielded Simona de Silvestro in IndyCar last season.
"I could not ask for more than to get the opportunity to drive for a championship team while representing my country," said 27-year-old Viso. "After five years in the series I believe I have found the right environment and look forward to having Ryan, James and Marco as teammates. I'm very proud to be able to move into the 2013 season with this new relationship; it's a dream come true."
Now entering his sixth season with the IndyCar Series, Viso began his racing career via go karts at the age of five, capturing five Winter National Karting Championships. Viso went on to win the British Formula 3 Championship and became the youngest driver in the Formula 3000 International the following year. Since joining the IndyCar Series, he has recorded 16 top-10 finishes, and has led a total of 52 laps during his five years racing in North America's elite championship.