Ericsson signs with Schmidt Peterson Motorsport for 2019

Marcus Ericsson has secured his move to IndyCar after signing a deal with Schmidt Peterson Motorsport for the 2019 season, and will drive the #7 car. Ericsson will partner James Hinchcliffe at the team, while one other seat is set to be confirmed.

Robert Wickens signed a multi-year deal with the team last year but suffered horrific injuries towards the end of the season which has left his future in major doubt as he recovers. Ericsson, who will leave Sauber at the end of the year, expressed his delight over the deal.

"It's a great honor to be picked as one of the drivers at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and IndyCar for the 2019 season,” the Swede stated. “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.”

Team co-owner Sam Schmidt added: “Ric [Peterson] and I are excited to welcome Marcus to the team. He has a ton of experience racing in the top levels of motorsports, so we believe that he will be able to contribute to our development program 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 [Hinchcliffe] will be a good fit to push one another and fight for those wins.”

Jack Harvey still holds a link with the team on a part-time basis through a partnership with Meyer Shank Racing. The 2019 IndyCar season will kick off on March 10th, with St. Petersburg, Florida once again the venue for the opening race.