Robert Wickens leaves the DTM to compete in Indycar

Mercedes AMG has announced that Robert Wickens is leaving the team to chase a career in the Indycar series.

The Canadian has competed in the DTM for six years with Mercedes, taking six victories and five pole positions as well as a best championship finish of fourth last season.

“It’s probably been the best six years of my life,” Wickens said. “It’s been an honour to represent the brand and, maybe, it’s not the last time.”

Mercedes AMG DTM boss Ulrich Fritz added: “It’s obviously a big pity that Rob is leaving us. With him, we are losing both a great driver and a terrific person.”

Wickens made his Indycar debut this year, replacing Mikhail Aleshin at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports for the free practice sessions at Road America when the Russian driver hit visa issues when trying to return from the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Wickens had also tested with the same team earlier in the season at Sebring and will now be part of Schmidt Peterson’s line-up for the 2018 campaign.

Mercedes AMG announced last July that would leave the DTM at the end of the 2018 season.