Marcus Ericsson, the reigning winner of the Indianapolis 500, is nearing a deal that would keep him racing for Chip Ganassi Racing into next season.
The Swede’s current contract ends at the conclusion of this season, and he feels it does not properly reflect the accomplishments he has achieved in the past couple years.
There has been quite a bit of speculation to see if he would be switching to another team or extending his time at Ganassi, which has brought him success so far in his IndyCar career.
Speaking ahead of Indy 500 qualifying, Chip Ganassi himself shed a bit of light on the contract situation, but would not go into specifics.
“Yeah, I want him to stay,” said Ganassi in a typically short response. “I’m working hard to do it.
“I’m not a big guy to be talking about our deals or our contracts or anything, but Marcus has a big future in the sport, and I want it to be on this team, sure.
“Yeah, we just need to finalize some sponsorship, and away we go.
“I’m not here to talk about my drivers and their contracts. I’m here to talk about Fast Friday and qualifying on Saturday and Sunday.
“Marcus is a valued — all the drivers are valued pieces of the team, and I want them all here today. I want them here tomorrow. I want them here next week. I want them here next year.”
When pressed by media if a deal with Ericsson is close, Ganassi added “I think we are, yeah.”
Ericsson has famously remarked that his performances are ‘not bad for a pay driver,’ and he has reportedly been asking for his contract to more accurately reflect his success.
He also has stated that his phone has been busy as other teams are asking him about his status for next season as well, a detail he possibly let out to help put pressure on Ganassi to finalize an extension.
It is unlikely that a final decision will be announced before the Indianapolis 500 on May 28, but a future where Ericsson stays with his current team seems more likely than ever.
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