Binder, who took the last ever Formula V8 3.5 race win in Bahrain last year, had been targeting a move into IndyCar, and visited the championship's Sonoma season finale in September.

Juncos has already signed Indy Lights champion Kyle Kaiser to a four-race deal as part of his prize for winning the feeder series.

Binder will now make his debut at the series-opening race at St Petersburg, as well as racing at Barber, Toronto and Mid-Ohio in 2018.

“I am honoured to be a part of the IndyCar series for the 2018 season,” said the Austrian driver. “I have been a huge fan of IndyCar and what the series has to offer to me as a driver.

“I had a hard decision to make this year on which path I would take in my career, and I am confident that I made the right decision.

“Right now, we have signed for four races, but I hope to add more to our schedule as the season progresses.”

Team owner Richard Juncos said he was thrilled to sign Binder to his team.

“I am happy to welcome Rene to our team and we are thrilled to be a part of his North American debut,” he said.

“Rene has a successful background running in the World Series V8 and GP2, along with the testing he has done within Formula 1, and I know he will carry that momentum into the IndyCar series this year.

“The timing is right for a talented driver like Rene to join, as everyone will be starting over with the new IndyCar aerokits.”

Juncos had been planning to enter the full 2018 season, although that now looks unlikely.