Visa problem for Aleshin prompts Wickens call-up

Robert Wickens will stand in for Mikhail Aleshin for at least part of this weekend's Verizon IndyCar Series round debut at Road America after the Russian was sidelined by visa problems while trying to return to the U.S. following last weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans.

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"Since competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with SMP Racing last weekend, Mikhail Aleshin, driver of the No.7 Lucas Oil Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda in the Verizon IndyCar Series, has been unable to leave France due to immigration issues preventing him from returning to the United States," said a team statement.

"The executive team at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports has been working diligently on Aleshin's return to America to compete in this weekend's Kohler Grand Prix. However, at this time, the Russian will not arrive [at] Road America in time for any on-track sessions scheduled for Friday, June 23.

"The team have elected for Canadian Robert Wickens to pilot the No.7 car until the immigration issue is resolved.

"No further comments about Aleshin's immigration status will be given at this time."

Wickens forms part of Mercedes' line-up in the DTM, where he is currently placed ninth in the standings. However the 28-year-old has a deep open-wheeler resume, and also participated in an IndyCar/DTM ride swap with Schmidt's James Hinchcliffe earlier this year.

Aleshin's situation echoes that of experienced by Simona de Silvestro, who was forced to miss the Sonoma IndyCar round in 2011 due to visa issues. Simon Pagenaud was called up to drive the HVM entry in her absence.