BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Schmidt Peterson Motorsports announced today that Oriol Servia will pilot the team’s third entry for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil in the Schmidt Peterson with Marotti Racing No. 77 Honda.

Servia, the 41-year-old Spaniard, has driven in 197 Indy car races since his debut season in 2000. He finished second in the 2005 Champ Car World Series championship for Newman/Haas Racing, collecting his lone Indy car win that year at Montreal.

The 1999 Indy Lights champion, Servia has driven in seven previous Indianapolis 500s with a best finish of fourth in 2012.

“I am very pleased to have this opportunity at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports,” said Servia. “This year’s Indianapolis 500, the 100th running, will be the most special in our era, maybe of all time, and I wanted to make sure I was in a team that can give me a program to contend for the win. I have no doubt that together with SPM and Honda, we will at least do that.”

Servia will team with fulltime Verizon IndyCar Series drivers James Hinchcliffe and Mikhail Aleshin for the Indy 500. Practice for the 100th running begins May 16, qualifying is May 21-22 and the historic race is scheduled for May 29 (11 a.m. ET, ABC and Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network).

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports co-owner Sam Schmidt is glad to add a veteran of Servia’s stature.

“We’ve competed against Oriol for several years now and have always looked for an opportunity to get him in one of our SPM entries,” Schmidt said. “He is a true professional and is highly respected within the motorsports community. Interestingly enough, we shared the front row with him in 2011 and know that he can get the job done for all of our team partners.”

Marotti Racing was founded by Will Marotti, who plans to use his business startup and building skills to strengthen the team. Marotti is an avid racing fan who has not missed an Indianapolis 500 since 1969 and is a graduate from the Skip Barber Racing School. He also drove in autocross and SCCA events.

“We are thankful and excited beyond measure to be able to participate in the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 with a team of the quality and caliber of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports,” Marotti said. “This is the fulfillment of a 47-year-old personal dream and we hope just the first of many years that Marotti Racing will be in the paddock and part of the INDYCAR community.”