Axed Ericsson secures IndyCar drive for 2019

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Marcus Ericsson: Heading for IndyCar

Marcus Ericsson: Heading for IndyCar

Marcus Ericsson has secured his future away from Formula 1, driving for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in IndyCar.

Ericsson’s time as a full-time driver in Formula 1 is coming to an end after a five-year spell, with Sauber not renewing his contract and instead opting for a line-up consisting of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi.

The Swede will still be a reserve driver for Sauber, but will be heading Stateside for more regular racing action.

“It’s a great honour to be picked as one of the drivers at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and IndyCar for the 2019 season,” said Ericsson.

“It feels like a perfect step for me and my career after five years in F1.

“I can’t wait to start work with SPM and all the people in the team which I’ve heard a lot of good things about.

“They’ve had some great success over the years, and I’m looking forward to working hard to continue and improve on that path.

“The racing in IndyCar looks great and I feel really excited to be part of it in the future.

“It will be a lot to learn including new tracks, oval racing, etc.

“I know it won’t be easy, but it’s a challenge I’m very much looking forward to and I can’t wait to get started.”

Ericsson will partner James Hinchcliffe, who raced alongside Robert Wickens during the 2018 campaign until Wickens’ life-threatening crash at Pocono.

Ericsson will race the #7 SPM Dallara-Honda, with team owners wanting to keep hold of the #6 for Wickens “when he wants to and is able to return”.

“We are excited to welcome Marcus,” team owner Schmidt added.

“He has a tonne of experience racing in the top levels of motorsports, so we believe that he will be able to contribute to our development programme that began in earnest in 2018.

“While the circuits on the IndyCar schedule will be brand new to him, particularly the ovals, we have a lot of confidence and trust in his eagerness to learn along with his work ethic.

“We think he and James will be a good fit to push one another and fight for those wins.”

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