SPM holds future IndyCar options for Dorrbecker

The reigning Auto GP champion (pictured above) will turn his first laps in one of SPM's Honda-powered cars on March 1 at Sebring, and from there, the team will decide whether to assign the 24-year-old and his sponsors to a third entry alongside James Hinchcliffe and Mikhail Aleshin.

Although one report from a Spanish-language outlet claims Dorrbecker has already been signed for Indianapolis and up to three additional races with SPM, team co-owner Sam Schmidt says the test is the only item on the books for now.

"I know it would be the first time in history a driver would be optimistic in their approach to this situation," Schmidt told RACER with a hint of sarcasm. "He is fortunate to have some good backing from his country and we all know the series desperately needs some more full-time South American talent. As far as we're concerned, we've done a deal to test him on March 1st and we'll see how that goes. There's no contract beyond that, and then we have the first right of refusal for the rest of the year and next year."

With backing from Mexican telecommunications giant Telmex and a demonstration of his aptitude at Sebring, Dorrbecker could be in the frame for something with the team after May. He's also expected to join the team later this week at Phoenix to observe and learn during IndyCar's open test on the one-mile oval.

"We're happy with the two drivers we have now, ecstatic with the continuity we've been able to create this year with our drivers and our crew; we're looking forward to the year and we would like to run a third car after Indy that [Dorrbecker] or others could possibly fit into," said Schmidt, whose team welcomed Copper Moon Coffee on Monday as its newest sponsor. "And we're going to run a third car at Indy, but that program and driver will be announced at a later date."

Prior to its appearance at Phoenix on Friday-Saturday, SPM will use one of its test days at Sonoma Raceway on Tuesday. With rain expected this week in the Bay Area, Ed Carpenter Racing canceled its plans to join SPM in favor of returning on Feb. 14.