Indy: Saavedra signs up with AFS/Andretti Green Racing

Colombian-born German F3 graduate joins the Indy Lights grid in 2009.

AFS Racing and Andretti Green Racing have unveiled Sebastian Saavedra as one of its two drivers for the forthcoming Firestone Indy Lights season.

The 18-year-old from Bogota finished second in his first season in the ATS German Formula 3 championship last season, winning the rookie of the year category and taking three overall race wins.

“This is a good opportunity for me,” said Saavedra who has also had success in Formula BMW, finishing fourth in the 2007 World Final. "I'm very happy to be with AFS Racing/Andretti Green Racing. The team is so professional that it gives you a great sense of confidence and allows you to focus on the championship. Although I need to learn the car and everything that is new, I know we can be fast and run at the front. If we can get off to a good start, then anything is possible."

Andretti Green Racing CEO Michael Andretti added: "We're excited to have Sebastian join the team. He is young and talented. The thing I really like about him is how much he wants to learn. He seems to be very open and has a lot of people here that are willing to help him learn what it takes to compete at a high level in Firestone Indy Lights. We're looking forward to seeing what he can do."

Saavedra completes the AFS / Andretti Green Racing line up in the Indy Lights championship, with J.R. Hildebrand, who finished fifth in the 2008 standings, already signed up for their second car.

"I'm really excited about this season," said Gary Peterson, the owner of AFS Racing. "It's great to have a young driver as part of the team. We can teach him the ropes, help him learn the ovals and be a big part of his development. He is a really good kid. I feel good about both drivers we have and they should be good teammates. Obviously, we have a lot to live up to after winning the championship, so expectations are going to be pretty high."