Marcus Ericsson says securing a Ganassi seat for 2020 is a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, as he prepares to join the team for next year’s IndyCar campaign.
Ex-F1 racer Ericsson moved to IndyCar this year with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and scored a podium finish in Detroit en route to 17th overall in the standings.
Ericsson had expected to remain with SPM but the team’s alliance with McLaren for 2020 left him facing an uncertain future and he instead signed to drive for Ganassi’s expanded three-car team.
“To drive for one of the best teams in the series they expect you to be up there at the top every weekend, as they’re going to give you a car to be at the top every weekend,” Ericsson told MotorsportWeek.com.
“But I’m ready for that. I’m used to that from the [Formula 1] paddock. You always have high pressure on your shoulders, and pressure to deliver, I like it.
“I enjoy that feeling to have that expectation for you, and also to work for a team like that.
“The opportunity I have for 2020 is like a once in a lifetime [opportunity] in a way.”
Ericsson will link up with five-times champion Scott Dixon and 2019 Rookie of the Year Felix Rosenqvist at Ganassi.
“With Scott and Felix, it’ll be really good,” said Ericsson.
“I know Felix well even from when we were kids doing go-karts in Sweden, and Scott is the nicest guy around and also a killer of a driver! It’s a really good mix and I think I’ll fit in good with those two.
“I think it’ll be a good match-up and hopefully we can push each other forward and push the team forward so we can take the fight to Penske, Andretti and the others.”
An in-depth interview with Ericsson will be available on Motorsport Week on Saturday.
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