James Hinchcliffe has been confirmed as the replacement for Zach Veach for the final three IndyCar races of the 2020 season, including the Harvest GP doubleheader next weekend.
Veach had been let go by Andretti Autosport earlier in the week, and came to an agreement to leave the team with immediate effect.
“I know, probably better than most, what Zach is feeling right now, and I have to say that he has handled everything about as class act as you can,” said Hinchcliffe.
“I’ve known Zach as a teammate, before that as a colleague and even before that as a friend, and he is a guy that I respect in every way.
“I know he is a fighter and will fight back to where he wants to be.
“For me now, my focus is 100% on racing the Harvest GP and getting the best possible results for Gainbridge, for Honda, for Michael and for the team.
“I obviously haven’t been on a road course in a while, but at least the last time I was, it was here at IMS! Hopefully that puts us in a good position to go out there and have a strong weekend.”
After being let go by Arrow Schmidt Peterson at the end of last season, Hinchcliffe found himself without a full time ride for the first time since entering the series in 2011.
The Canadian took on a part time deal with Andretti Autosport and has competed in three races so far this season, using the other events to assist with the television broadcast.
Hinchcliffe will look to use his performance in the upcoming races to show that he deserves a full-time ride again for next season.
He will join Helio Castroneves as a last-minute replacement for the races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, the latter stepping in for Oliver Askew who is suffering from concussion-like symptoms.
The Harvest GP doubleheader will take place on October 2-3.
