INDYCAR: Chaves to substitute for SPM at Phoenix test

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports announced Thursday that Gabby Chaves will temporarily fill the seat of its No. 7 SMP Racing Honda entry for this week's Verizon IndyCar Series open test at Phoenix International Raceway.

Russian driver Mikhail Aleshin, SPM's contracted driver for the No. 7 car, is unable to attend the test due to last-minute work visa issues.

The 22-year-old Chaves completed his rookie IndyCar season with Bryan Herta Autosport last year, but has lost that ride to Alexander Rossi following that team's merger with Andretti Autosport earlier this week.

"While we wish Mikhail was able to participate in this test with us, we're confident that he'll get up to speed quickly when he returns," said SPM General Manager Piers Phillips. "Gabby had a solid rookie season and we appreciate his willingness to step up quickly for this important test. We have high expectations for SPM's 2016 season and our goal is to use these test days at PIR to set us up for success."

The Verizon IndyCar Series will be on track Friday and Saturday. Test times are 12-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. local time both days. The track is open to the public.