Valsecchi to test Schmidt IndyCar

GP2 champion Davide Valsecchi

Former Lotus Formula 1 reserve and 2012 GP2 champion Davide Valsecchi will join the ranks of Europeans eyeing American moves by testing an IndyCar with Schmidt Peterson Motorsport next month.

The 27-year-old Italian won the main GP2 title with DAMS two years ago to add to his 2009/10 Asia series crown, before his F1 hopes failed to progress beyond a number three role.

He will spend a day in the SPM car at Sebring on December 16 alongside new arrival James Hinchcliffe, who will be testing with the team for the first time since moving across from Andretti Autosport to replace Penske-bound Simon Pagenaud.

Valsecchi spent last year as an F1 test driver with Lotus, and was briefly in the frame to replace the injured Kimi Raikkonen late in the season before being overlooked in favor of Heikki Kovalainen.

He is currently racing a Lamborghini in the GT Open series.

His IndyCar foray continues a wave of interest from high-profile European-based drivers.

GP2 veteran Luca Filippi has long voiced his desire to move to IndyCar full-time and build upon his handful of starts with BHA, 2012 GP3 runner-up Daniel Abt tested with Andretti last month, and Formula E race winner Sam Bird is also among those known to be looking for opportunities. Autosport.com