SEBRING, Fla. -- Sebastian Saavedra is returning to the team that gave him his first big break as a driver in INDYCAR.

The 21-year-old Colombian will race in Firestone Indy Lights for AFS Racing/Andretti Autosport – the same team with which he won two races and the series rookie of the year title in 2009.

"I'm proud to be to be part of the AFS and Andretti Autosport family again,” said Saavedra, who will be one of eight drivers testing Firestone Indy Lights cars at Sebring International Raceway on March 7. “Together we've have had good times and I'm sure we can have them again. I want to thank Gary (Peterson) for believing in my talent and building this program; he is always thinking of my future and the future of AFS Racing.

"This opportunity was built in a very intelligent manner and I'm looking forward to where it may take us. The experience I've built in the IndyCar Series and in Firestone Indy Lights over the past three years have given me a confidence and big hunger for success."

Saavedra will drive the No. 27 AFS Racing/Andretti Autosport car in Firestone Indy Lights and also drive the Andretti Autosport/AFS Racing No. 25 Automatic Fire Sprinklers Chevrolet in the Indianapolis 500.

In addition to his racing duties with the team, Saavedra, who spent last season as a rookie in the IZOD IndyCar Series with Conquest Racing, will be a test/reserve driver for the Andretti team and could drive in additional IZOD IndyCar Series events.

"Aligning with Andretti Autosport for Firestone Indy Lights and the Indianapolis 500 is advantageous for all parties, AFS, Andretti and especially Sebastian,” said AFS owner Gary Petersen. “After AFS/Andretti's previous success in the Firestone Indy Lights, having won two season championships, I'm convinced that we can place Sebastian exactly where he needs to be to contend for the FIL championship this season.

“Since meeting Sebastian and the Saavedra family in 2009, we've developed a close relationship. I feel personally invested in Sebastian's future. I feel that the best career move Sebastian can make at this time, given the new IndyCars, is acting as a test driver for Andretti and racing the Indy 500 this season. This puts him in the best possible position to advance toward his goal of becoming one of IndyCar's elite drivers.”

The joint entry of a car for Saavedra marks the re-establishment of the successful partnership of AFS Racing/Andretti Autosport, which claimed two Firestone Indy Lights titles and 11 race wins from 2008-2010. 

"AFS Racing and Andretti Autosport have enjoyed a lot of success together and this effort will hopefully be more of the same,” said Michael Andretti, owner of Andretti Autosport. “Sebastian will be a strong contender in the Firestone Indy Lights program. Also, with the new car, having a test driver will help us take our IZOD IndyCar Series program closer to where we want it to be. We are optimistic about this relationship and will continue to explore opportunities with the goal of racing together beyond 2012."