France's Simon Pagenaud was named on Thursday as the 2012 IndyCar driver for Schmidt Motorsports after serving as a fill-in racer three times last season.
The 27-year-old from Montmorillon was a runner-up in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 12 Hours of Seibring earlier this year, as well as racing rally cars and V-8 supercars.
He was also called upon to replace injured IndyCar racers, substituting for Brazil's Ana Beatriz in Alabama, England's Justin Wilson at Mid-Ohio and Swiss Simona de Silvestro at Sears Point.
"I'm delighted to be joining the IndyCar Series full-time," Pagenaud said.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge of racing in a single-seater again. It's the best situation I could wish for."
Pagenaud moved to the United States in 2006 and in 2007 was eighth overall as a rookie in ChampCar's final season before merging with IndyCar.
"He has continued to develop since then and is clearly deserving of a full-time ride in the IndyCar Series," Schmidt team manager Rob Edwards said.
Pagenaud will arrive as the series begins using a new chassis and engine package.
"We are very fortunate to land a driver of Simon?s caliber," team owner Sam Schmidt said. "As all the teams work to develop the new cars and engines, his diverse experience will be invaluable to us."
The 2012 season will begin on March 25 at St Petersburg, Florida, with Pagenaud hopeful of qualifying for the showcase Indianapolis 500 in May.
"I know 2012 will be a big challenge with the new chassis and being on a new team but, quite frankly, that's what is so interesting," Pagenaud said.
Copyright 2011 AFP American Edition
