Immigration issues for Aleshin hand Wickens shock IndyCar chance
Mercedes DTM driver Robert Wickens could make a shock IndyCar debut at Road America this weekend because immigration issues have threatened the participation of Mikhail Aleshin
Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver Aleshin contested the Le Mans 24 Hours last weekend with the SMP Racing LMP2 team, enduring a troubled run and finishing 33rd overall and 16th in class.
A statement from his IndyCar team said Aleshin has since "been unable to leave France due to immigration issues preventing him from returning to the United States".
It continued: "The executive team at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports has been working diligently on Aleshin's return to America to compete in this weekend's Kohler Grand Prix.
"However, at this time, the Russian driver will not arrive to Road America in time for any on-track sessions scheduled for Friday, June 23."
It stressed that "no further comments about Aleshin's immigration status will be given at this time".
The situation has led to Schmidt Peterson calling up Wickens to drive the #7 Dallara-Honda "until the immigration issue is resolved".
Wickens, the 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 champion, had his first IndyCar test back in February with SPM as part of a 'car swap' with friend and fellow Canadian James Hinchcliffe.
That run was his first time in a single-seater since a Marussia Formula 1 test at the end of 2011.
Wickens will take part in the Friday practice sessions, with no timeframe given for when a call will be made for qualifying and Sunday's 55-lap race.
Ex-F1 driver Esteban Gutierrez seals Dale Coyne IndyCar seat
Alexander Rossi tops red-flagged first Road America IndyCar session
The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season
The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season
Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge
Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge
Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1
Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1 Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1
The changes Wickens is having to deal with on his racing return
The changes Wickens is having to deal with on his racing return The changes Wickens is having to deal with on his racing return
Wickens targeting race wins on racing return with Hyundai
Wickens targeting race wins on racing return with Hyundai Wickens targeting race wins on racing return with Hyundai
Wickens to make racing comeback in Hyundai TCR car
Wickens to make racing comeback in Hyundai TCR car Wickens to make racing comeback in Hyundai TCR car
Espargaro: Aprilia “is not good” in Argentina, despite MotoGP practice sweep
Espargaro: Aprilia “is not good” in Argentina, despite MotoGP practice sweep Espargaro: Aprilia “is not good” in Argentina, despite MotoGP practice sweep
Quartararo ‘doesn’t feel normal’ on Yamaha after nightmare Argentina MotoGP practice
Quartararo ‘doesn’t feel normal’ on Yamaha after nightmare Argentina MotoGP practice Quartararo ‘doesn’t feel normal’ on Yamaha after nightmare Argentina MotoGP practice
MotoGP Argentina GP: Aleix Espargaro fastest in FP2, Quartararo misses Q2
MotoGP Argentina GP: Aleix Espargaro fastest in FP2, Quartararo misses Q2 MotoGP Argentina GP: Aleix Espargaro fastest in FP2, Quartararo misses Q2
Power signs new multi-year IndyCar deal with Team Penske
Power signs new multi-year IndyCar deal with Team Penske Power signs new multi-year IndyCar deal with Team Penske
Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives
Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives
How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled
How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021 Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential
How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential
How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best
How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up? Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win
Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting
Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.