Max Chilton re-signs with Chip Ganassi Racing IndyCar team for 2017

Chilton entered the series in 2016, having previously raced in Formula 1 with Manor then LMP1 with Nissan and Indy Lights with Carlin in '15.

The Briton finished 19th in the championship, with fellow ex-Manor F1 driver Alexander Rossi the best of the year's rookies in 11th having won the Indy 500.

News that Chilton would stay with Ganassi for a second season alongside Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan and Charlie Kimball was expected and confirmed on Wednesday.

"I think we were able to build a solid foundation in my rookie year in the IndyCar Series," he said.

"The learning curve is very steep here and the field is separated by just a few seconds from top to bottom with really talented teams and drivers, which makes the competition incredibly close.

"Having a year of experience now to adapt to the car and learn all of the courses on the schedule is huge for us.

"Chip and [sponsor] Gallagher give us everything we need to be competitive and go out to contend for wins, so I'm optimistic for the direction of the No. 8 Gallagher team heading into next season."

The Ganassi outfit is switching from Chevrolet to Honda engines and aero kits for the 2017 season.

2017 INDYCAR DRIVER LINE-UP SO FAR

Team Penske - Chevrolet

Helio Castroneves, Will Power, Simon Pagenaud, Josef Newgarden, Juan Pablo Montoya (Indy 500 only)

Chip Ganassi Racing - Honda

Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, Charlie Kimball, Max Chilton

Andretti Autosport - Honda

Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti, Takuma Sato

Andretti Herta Autosport - Honda

Alexander Rossi

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing - Honda

Graham Rahal, Oriol Servia (Indy 500 only)