Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) have confirmed that former F2 driver Jordan King will contest the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series for the team. British driver King will share the #20 Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka Chevrolet with eponymous team owner Carpenter.

Carpenter will continue to run an oval-only program with King taking over driving duties at street and road course events.

Jordan King completes Ed Carpenter Racing line up for 2018

The announcement completed ECR’s line-up for the 2018 IndyCar season following earlier confirmation that Spencer Pigot would race full time this year.

American Pigot graduates from sharing Carpenters cars to a full season, replacing JR Hildebrand who left the team after a single season in 2017.

Discussing his move from F2 – the official feeder series for F1 – King explained: “I am beyond excited to get started in the Verizon IndyCar Series.”

“Going into the new season, I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity with ECR to work towards our collective goals. I believe that together, both of us have the capability to do well!”

Carpenter: “he is a very motivated, intelligent and hungry driver”

Team owner Ed Carpenter is full of praise for the Briton and what he can do in his rookie season of IndyCar: “We are very excited to welcome Jordan to the ECR family and to have him in the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Vodka Chevrolet for the 2018 road and street course races.”

“I first met Jordan at Sonoma Raceway in 2016 as he was exploring opportunities in INDYCAR. He is a very motivated, intelligent and hungry driver, which is exactly what we are looking for at ECR. Jordan has had a lot of success and experience in Europe and I can’t wait to see what he is capable of with ECR in the Verizon IndyCar Series.”

One seat remaining on the 2018 IndyCar grid

The decision to run the British rookie took many in the IndyCar paddock by surprise. Former F1 driver Esteban Gutierrez was widely expected to partner with Ed Carpenter this season.

Confirmation of King at ECR is likely to intensify speculation that Mexican Gutierrez will secure the final full time ride on the 2018 grid with Dale Coyne Racing.

A move to Dale Coyne for Gutierrez would all but end the chances of American Conor Daly – currently appearing in CBS’ Amazing Race – finding a full or part time ride in IndyCar this season.