Mexican Pilot Esteban Gutierrez Lands IndyCar Seat

Mexican pilot Esteban Gutierrez has secured a seat in the IndyCar series for the rest of the season with Dale Coyne Racing.

After a brief stint in Formula E, the Monterrey native moves up a category after testing for the same series a few weeks ago at the double-header in Detroit. The agreement has now been finalized due to Sebastien Bourdais' injury, which will keep him out for most of the season. The team was in search of a replacement for his seat.

"I am very happy to finally announce my racing program for the remainder of the season. Representing Mexico in IndyCar means a lot to fans who have followed the series throughout its history, so I am very grateful for this opportunity," stated Gutierrez.

"IndyCar has highly competitive teams and drivers, so it will be a great challenge. However, I will use my experience in Formula 1 with Sauber, Haas, and Ferrari to quickly adapt to the car and tracks. I am eager to continue working with Dale Coyne Racing and Honda, and I trust them to achieve great results together, starting this weekend at Road America," he added.

"We are pleased that Esteban has signed with us for the rest of the season," affirmed Dale Coyne, team owner.

"Esteban did a great job in Detroit despite having a lot to learn in such a short amount of time. He fit in very well with the team, and I am looking forward to having him for the upcoming races," Coyne stated.

Gutierrez will encounter a familiar track this weekend, as he raced at Road America in 2007 during his season in the Formula BMW USA Series. He, along with his teammate Ed Jones, tested the 4.048-mile, 14-turn circuit last week as part of their preparation.

Prior to joining the IndyCar Series this season, Gutierrez competed in Formula 1 for the Haas team in 2016, after serving as a test driver for Ferrari in 2015. From 2013 to 2014, he also raced in the top category with the Sauber team.

Additionally, he excelled in the GP2 category, finishing third in the championship in 2012 with seven podium finishes, including three victories. In 2010, he became the GP3 champion thanks to nine podium finishes in 16 races, including five wins.

In 2007, Gutierrez competed in the Formula BMW USA Series. That season, he won four times to finish as the runner-up and earn the Rookie of the Year award.

Gutierrez will have his first commitment in the series immediately, as he will start practicing in Elkhart Lake on Friday and compete in the Road America track over the weekend.