New IndyCar team Prema has confirmed Callum Ilott as the first of its drivers for its debut season next year.
Ilott will make his return to the series as a full-time driver having completed two seasons for Juncos Hollinger in 2022 and 2023. He made his debut in the series with them late in 2021.
After being dropped by the team at the end of last year, Ilott made two appearances for McLaren this year as a substitute for the injured David Malukas. He finished 11th on both occasions, the last coming in the Indianapolis 500.
The ultra-successful junior squad announced its plan to expand into IndyCar in April. It intends to run two cars in the series full-time and has not yet announced who Ilott’s team mate will be.
Ilott previously drove for Prema in 2017, when he finished fourth in the European Formula Three championship behind Lando Norris, Joel Eriksson and Maximilian Guenther.
“We had a great time working with him in Formula 3 and we always kept an eye on him after that,” said team owner Rene Roisin. “He proved to be a great fit for us in the past and I think he will feel like picking up something he had left off.
“He proved his outstanding speed [and] skills everywhere he competed. In addition, his prior IndyCar experience will be an invaluable asset.”
Ilott said he had been handed an “incredible opportunity” to return to IndyCar with Prema. “I love the racing, I love these cars and I love the team, so it’s great to be back to what they call the Italian family home. It’s going to be something special to build off, a lot of hard work but I’m excited to join the team and see what we can do together.”
The 25-year-old also raced for the Jota Porsche squad in the World Endurance Championship this year, sharing victory in the Six Hours of Spa with team mate Will Stevens.
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