Papis joins Cheever for Indy 500

The Italian, who drives for Sigma Autosport in CART, will join team boss Eddie Cheever and Tomas Scheckter in a three-car attack on the blue-riband race. It will also mark Papis' first race in the Indy Racing League.

"I'm honoured to have been chosen by Red Bull Cheever Racing to be a part of their line-up for the Indianapolis 500," Papis said. "I'm also thrilled to be competing on the most celebrated oval track in the world. It's the one professional experience that you just can't miss in a career in racing."

Papis has never won a CART race on a superspeedway, although he came close at the Fontana oval last year when he finished second.

"Although Max will be considered a rookie, he has shown the correct mix of courage, focus and talent in races on the large speedways of Michigan and California," said Cheever. "This experience will be valuable as he prepares for the unique challenge of competing in the Indianapolis 500."

The Indy 500 takes place on May 26.