Mikhail Aleshin to become first Russian IndyCar racer in 2014
Mikhail Aleshin will become Russia's first IndyCar driver in 2014 after signing a deal with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
The 2010 Formula Renault 3.5 champion and former Red Bull junior joins IndyCar race winner Simon Pagenaud in Sam Schmidt's squad.
Aleshin tested Schmidt's Dallara-Honda for the first time at Sebring last weekend.
"I've been racing in Europe for a long time and have had success there and driven more or less everything I could," said the 26-year-old.
"But I decided to change because I just wanted a new competition with new tracks and a new car.
"I knew the competition is quite strong and it would be hard for me, especially because I've never raced any American circuits.
"It's a big thing to do, but I think I'll be competitive.
"Ovals will be hard, but I'm here to learn and compete for good results."
Schmidt said he had been impressed with Aleshin so far.
"He is extremely mature and talented, but like so many up-and-coming drivers in the European system there just weren't enough opportunities for him to advance to F1," said the team boss.
"We have already found his driving style to be very similar to Simon's and believe he can contribute immediately to the programme, even as a rookie."
2012 Indy Lights champion Tristan Vautier drove Schmidt's second car during the 2013 season.
Aleshin has primarily raced in FR3.5 since 2006, interspersed with partial GP2 campaigns, some sportscar racing and finishing third in the first year of the revived Formula 2 series in 2009.
Paul di Resta would consider IndyCar future if F1 chances dry up
Juan Pablo Montoya begins IndyCar test return with Penske
How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled
Chip Ganassi Racing team was strong again in the Indianapolis 500, with poleman Scott Dixon and reigning champion Alex Palou leading almost three quarters of the race between them. But when dominator Dixon was penalised for pitlane speeding, ex-Formula 1 driver Marcus Ericsson stepped up to score the biggest win of his career and seize the IndyCar points lead
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
In an enthralling 2021 IndyCar campaign, the series bounced back from its COVID-19 truncated year prior and Alex Palou defeated both the established order and his fellow young guns to clinch a maiden title. It capped a remarkable season with plenty of standout performers
How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential
Romain Grosjean's swashbuckling rookie year in IndyCar captured the imagination of many in 2021. But another ex-Formula 1 driver whose potential was masked by five years of toil in, at best, middling machinery also enjoyed a breakout year in 2021 - winning twice and finishing sixth in points. Here's how Marcus Ericsson finally delivered on his promise
How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best
IndyCar sophomore Alex Palou stunned by overcoming team-mate Scott Dixon and the rest of a white-hot field in 2021. He was consistently fast and crucially showed a level head, rebounding well from setbacks to put himself in a near unassailable position entering the final round
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Despite appearing to have an IndyCar job for life with Meyer Shank Racing, Jack Harvey’s departure and move to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing sparked plenty of debate. However, Harvey's and RLL's combined strengths could prove to be a winning combination - if they get the balance right
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win
Saturday 16 October marks the 10th anniversary of Dan Wheldon’s death. David Malsher-Lopez pays tribute, then asks Wheldon’s race engineer from 2011, Todd Malloy, to recall that magical second victory at the Indianapolis 500
Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting
Kyle Kirkwood, the record-setting junior formula driver, sealed the Indy Lights championship last weekend. But despite an absurdly strong junior career and scholarship money, his next move is far from clear
Why IndyCar title glory is just the start for Ganassi's new star
Newly-crowned IndyCar champion Alex Palou has been lauded as a complete driver and veteran-like in only his second season. The 24-year-old is still in the early days of his career, but the parallels are there for all to see with his six-time champion Chip Ganassi Racing team-mate who has been CGR's team leader since 2014