Sam Schmidt to test Tristan Vautier at Sebring

Vautier won his debut race in Indy Lights last season en route to the championship.

Robert Reiners/Icon SMI

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Indy Lights champion Tristan Vautier will test an Indy car this week for Sam Schmidt Motorsports at Sebring International Raceway.

The team will test Wednesday and Thursday at the Florida road course. Simon Pagenaud will drive the car the first day, then stay behind to help fellow Frenchman Vautier in his first IndyCar test Thursday.

Vautier has proved to be a quick study so far. He won his debut race in Indy Lights last season en route to the championship, and did the same in the Star Mazda Series in 2011.

Meanwhile, team owner Schmidt announced last week that reigning Star Mazda championship driver Jack Hawksworth would drive for him in Indy Lights next season. Hawksworth won eight races and the title last year.