Robert Wickens leaves DTM for IndyCar

Robert Wickens will make his debut in IndyCar next year by joining Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. The Canadian was expected to join the American single-seater discipline since he exchanged his Mercedes C 63 AMG DTM with the DW12 of his compatriot James Hinchcliffe at the start of the year.

The 2011 Formula champion Renault 3.5 Series even took part in free practice at Road America, replacing Mikhail Aleshin who had been held back by visa problems. He should play alongside James Hinchcliffe in 2018.

“It was the best six years of my life. Until this season I never considered leaving Mercedes or the DTM, comments Robert Wickens who anticipates the departure of the star manufacturer at the end of 2018. I can only thank Mercedes and wish them the best for the future. I am taking an important turn in my career. Many things will be new to me. For example, I have never driven on an oval and I have not done single-seater racing since I started in DTM six years ago. »

Robert Wickens finished the 2017 DTM season in ninth place with one victory. His best result is a fourth place in the Championship achieved last year. He achieved a total of six successes, 15 podiums and five poles.

“It is a great regret to see Robert leave,” adds Ulrich Fritz, the director of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport in DTM. We are losing both a great driver and an exceptional person. Rob has been an important person in our program over the past few years. If I'm sad to see him leave the DTM, I'm also happy for him. IndyCar will offer him a great experience. »