Mikhail Aleshin back to IndyCar with Schmidt Peterson for Sonoma

The Russian will take part in next week's test at the circuit, during which Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jr will run with Penske, before making his first IndyCar start of the season.

Aleshin raced in the series with the Honda-powered squad in 2014, taking a podium in Houston, but his campaign ended when he was injured in a crash during Fontana's season finale.

He subsequently switched to the European Le Mans Series with SMP Racing, the LMP2 squad also contesting the Le Mans 24 Hours, but is eyeing a 2016 return to IndyCar.

"I am incredibly happy to make my return to this entertaining championship and my team, with which I raced last year and achieved considerable success," said Aleshin.

"This year, my priority is my ELMS campaign and the continuous development of [SMP Racing's] BR01.

"As for next year, we're doing all we can to continue in IndyCar and I hope this race can be a significant step towards that goal."

Aleshin is set to drive a third SPM entry alongside regulars James Jakes and Ryan Briscoe - the latter a long-term stand-in for the injured James Hinchcliffe.