Montoya confirms 'Triple Crown' bid at 2018 Le Mans

Juan Pablo Montoya will attempt to secure motorsport's 'Triple Crown' in 2018 after United Autosports confirmed his appointment for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours. Montoya is the only active driver with two legs of the 'Triple Crown' to his name, having prevously won the Indianapolis 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix.

The news comes as a huge surprise, with McLaren driver Fernando Alonso also taking part in Le Mans this year as he attempts to complete the famous treble.

Graham Hill is the only man in history to have won all three races.

In a move that will surely raise eyebrows, Montoya has signed with United Autosports - run by McLaren chief Zak Brown - for Le Mans.

Montoya's Ligier JS P2 is in the LMP2 category, Alonso will race a top-level LMP1 car with Toyota.

We are thrilled to welcome @jpmontoya to the team for the @24hoursoflemans. Read the full story here: https://t.co/C7umJgnuxz #BeUnited pic.twitter.com/8R1FtXbsPX — United Autosports (@UnitedAutosport) March 28, 2018

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to experience Le Mans and I'm looking forward to joining United Autosports after they had such a strong finish at Le Mans last year," Montoya said in a statement.

"I've always watched the race so I'm very happy to finally be part of it. Hopefully we can have a shot at a win."

United Autosports placed fifth in last year's race. Both of Toyota's cars failed to finish.

Brown said: "Juan Pablo has been around racing for a long time now and he knows what it takes to win.

"I'm sure he will bring experience and speed to the team, which is exactly what we need for such a demanding race as Le Mans."

The Colombian will make his Le Mans debut during the race. He won the Indy500 in 2015, having previously won in Monte Carlo in the 2003 season with BMW Williams.

Alonso raced for United Autosports at this year's Daytona 24 Hours, but his team could only manage 38th after suffering brake problems.