AGR becomes Andretti Autosport

The former shareholders of Andretti Green Racing have completed a transaction that has resulted in the restructuring and rebranding of the Indianapolis-based company. The racing team is now solely owned by Michael Andretti and has been rebranded Andretti Autosport. "This is a great day for all of us," Andretti said. "We're very excited about the future of the team and we are looking forward to being a contender again in 2010. Everyone at Andretti Autosport is 100 percent focused on winning races and championships. We have a lot of work to do this winter, but everyone is committed to the job and we're looking forward to 2010."

Andretti and his former business partners announced on Aug. 20 their decision to split off their racing and promotions businesses into two separate companies.

Andretti Autosport, which began competing in the Indy Racing League in 2003 as Andretti Green, fielded four full-time teams in the IZOD IndyCar Series this past season and ran a two-car effort this year with AFS Racing in Firestone Indy Lights.

It is expected Andretti Autosport will return with veteran driver Tony Kanaan and fellow teammates Danica Patrick and Marco Andretti. Patrick´s long time sponsor GoDaddy.com invited for a press-conference next monday, where the new contract between Andretti Autosport and Danica Patrick probably will be announced. For the possible fourth seat, the rumor mill is favouring the American Ryan Hunter-Reay, while former AGR driver Hideki Mutoh is rumored to Newman/Haas/Lanigan.