Mikhail Aleshin to Drive for SPM in 2014

INDIANAPOLIS - Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPM) has signed 26-year-old Russian Mikhail Aleshin, who most recently competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, to drive its second entry for the 2014 IndyCar season.

Aleshin got his first seat time in an IndyCar on Nov. 18 when he tested with SPM at Sebring International Raceway.

"(Sebring) was my first test in an IndyCar and things were much different than what I'm used to inside the car," Aleshin said. "In Europe there are different standards, but I like (the IndyCar) already, it's really fun to drive. "

The Moscow-native won the Formula Renault 3.5 Championship in 2010 and tested the Lotus Renault F1 car as well as the Red Bull F1 car before setting his sights on the North American based IndyCar Series.

"The last two or three years I've been looking in this direction and at one point in the middle of the 2013 season I decided that I just needed to change something," Aleshin reflected. "SMP Racing, my main sponsor, decided it would be a good idea to try something in the U.S. because there are no Russian drivers at this level, and considering the experience I have we thought it would all come together (in IndyCar)."

Mikhail Aleshin

Photo by: DPPI

"We are extremely pleased to have Mikhail (Aleshin) partnered with Simon (Pagenaud) for the 2014 season," Schmidt said. "He is very 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. We have already found his driving style to be very similar to Simon's and believe he can contribute immediately to the program, even as a rookie."

After an incredibly successful 2013 season in IndyCar that saw the team collect its first two IndyCar wins with Simon Pagenaud, team owner Ric Peterson is eager to add even more talent to the SPM arsenal.

"I can't wait to see how Mikhail's success in competing against some of the biggest stars of the European racing scene will translate in IndyCar and with our team in particular," Peterson said. "We proved in 2013 that we can challenge the biggest teams in our sport and the addition of this young, talented driver will only elevate us further."

Team General Manager Rob Edwards commented on Aleshin's ability to adapt during testing in Sebring, Fla.

"Mikhail did an excellent job at the test learning both a new car and a new track," Edwards said. "He and Simon (Pagenaud) worked very well together and have very similar driving styles which should benefit the team. Mikhail formed an instant bond with (engineer) Allen McDonald and the entire team enjoyed working with him. It is always good to work with drivers who are focused on their work and who are quick in the car."

Aleshin, who had previously never been to the United States, is pleased with his decision to join SPM for 2014.

"I chose Schmidt Peterson Motorsports for many reasons, but the most important thing was that I saw a team with great potential," Aleshin said. "I understood that these people are really aiming for victory and it's very important for them.

"Sometimes you come to a company of people and you start to believe in them and know they are professional. That's how it is (with SPM). I really want to say thank you to the team. They have given me an awesome opportunity."

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports