The 2016 Indy Lights champion impressed throughout his rookie IndyCar campaign with Dale Coyne Racing-Honda, not least when he helped carry the team following teammate Sebastien Bourdais’ huge shunt at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 22-year-old Briton went on to fight for the win at the Indy 500, ultimately finishing third, and he now graduates to the #10 CGR-Jones has joined the team’s Verizon IndyCar Series program in the #10 NTT DATA Honda beginning in 2018.

This ends speculation that the ride might go to WEC star Brendon Hartley, who last week made his Formula 1 debut in the US Grand Prix.

Said team owner Chip Ganassi: “We’ve been following Ed’s career for quite some time now and are pleased we are able to add him to strengthen our Indy car lineup.

“He has a year of Indy car racing under his belt now and is the type of young talent that we were looking for. We can’t wait to get him on the race track.”

Jones himself said: “This is truly an honor to have the opportunity to drive for Chip, his organization and to represent NTT DATA. Chip runs one of the biggest and best motor racing teams in the world, and equally as important, is a proven winner across each series he competes in from Le Mans to Indianapolis and beyond.

“I want to get up to speed quickly and learn as much as I can. Scott is a legend in the sport, and to get the chance to team with him is an amazing opportunity.

“I think I’m joining the team at a perfect time when the playing field is being reset with common aerokits, and everyone is adjusting to a new formula. I'm really looking forward to getting in the car and getting underway with our 2018 campaign.”