Wickens joins SPM for 2018

Robert Wickens

Robert Wickens will make his IndyCar debut in 2018 after signing a deal to race for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.

Wickens has competed for Mercedes in DTM since 2012, taking six wins and a best of fourth in the championship, off the back of the 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 title.

Wickens, following a promotional seat swap test with James Hinchcliffe in early 2017, substituted for Mikhail Aleshin at SPM during IndyCar practice at Road America, when the Russian was delayed due to Visa issues.

On Wednesday, his Mercedes DTM operation confirmed that the Canadian will return to single-seaters full-time next year with SPM, where he is expected to partner incumbent James Hinchcliffe.

"It's going to be a very steep learning curve," said Wickens.

"A lot of things will be completely new to me. I've never driven on an oval before.

"As everyone knows, I haven't been driving formula cars over the last six years since I've been in DTM, so I have to get up to speed very quickly, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Wickens also expressed his gratitude to Mercedes, in the wake of his DTM exit.

"I've had a lot of ups and downs on the way but have never had so much support from a team before," said Wickens.

"It's been an honor to represent the brand and maybe it's not the last time."

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