Ricardo Juncos has already locked up a formidable lineup for his championship-winning Pro Mazda team. He’s added another piece to chase another title.

Brazilian driver Carlos Cunha, who finished third in the 2017 Pro Mazda presented by Cooper Tires season, will race for the team in 2018 as a teammate to the previously signed Rinus VeeKay and Robert Megennis, USF2000’s last two top rookies.

Cunha will carry the No. 1 that countryman Victor Franzoni earned for the team last season, Juncos’ third Pro Mazda championship since entering the series in 2009.

“It’s great to become a part of Juncos Racing,” said the 18-year-old Cunha, who recorded seven podium finishes as a rookie. “I am really excited to start the 2018 season with Juncos Racing. This fall we did some testing together and from there I was able to see how focused everyone on the team is. I even felt like I became a part of their family in no time.

“I am confident we will get great results together next year and I look forward to learning and growing more with the team. It will be a huge pleasure and also a great responsibility to carry the No. 1 on my car, thanks to Victor (Franzoni) and I hope to deliver it back to the team at the end of the year!”

Cunha has participated in Juncos Racing’s extensive offseason testing program as it adapts to the new Tatuus PM-18 chassis that will debut this season. He tested with the team early October at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and made his official debut with the team for the Chris Griffis Memorial test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, running the first day in the Pro Mazda car and the second day in the Indy Lights car prepared by the team

 “We are excited to add Carlos to our Pro Mazda line-up,” team owner Ricardo Juncos said. “From the moment we started testing with him, we knew he would be a great fit for our team. Carlos has been very quick in testing and even had an impressive showing in the Indy Lights car at the Chris Griffis Test. He had a great run this past season in the Pro Mazda series and we are confident he will carry that momentum into the 2018 season. I want to thank Carlos, his family and Fernando Avallone of Ava Sports for the opportunity to work with him this coming year.”