IndyCar: Jean Alesi confirmed for the Indy 500

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It had been a rumour for quite sometimes but now former Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi has been confirmed to take part in the next Indianapolis 500 behind the wheel of a Newman/Haas car.

Alesi, who has never raced on an oval before in his long career, will drive a Lotus-powered Dallara DW12 for the American team.

The deal came about via Alesi's position as an ambassador with the Lotus car manufacturer, which entered the IndyCar Series as an engine supplier this year.

The DW12 Dallara, powered by a Lotus engine, Alexandre Tagliani at the wheel. (Photo: IndyCar)

Alesi will be required to go through the same rookie orientation process at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and will do so with another F1 veteran, Rubens Barrichello.

Alesi has yet to discover when his first test in the car, ahead of the month of May at Indy, will be.