From Group Lotus
Former Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi will make his return to competitive racing flying the flag for Group Lotus at the world’s biggest motorsport race – the 96th Indy 500 in 2012.
Following a 12 year stint in F1 from 1989 to 2001, Alesi moved onto DTM racing and also raced in the Speedcar series.
Then last year made his most recent competitive race appearance in the Le Mans Series, driving a Ferrari GT.
In January 2011 he joined Group Lotus as a brand ambassador and development consultant on the F1 customer race car, the T125. Although never straying far from the race track, the Indy 500 and oval racing represent completely new challenges for the Group Lotus brand ambassador.
The Frenchman has already begun physical training and working in Dallara's simulator.
“I’m thrilled that Lotus has given me the opportunity to compete in such a world famous race,” said Jean Alesi.
“It’s going to be a very special experience for me but I also know that I have a lot of hard work ahead. I’m very focused on the task I’m facing – I’m taking my training very seriously, I have some amazing support on this front from a ‘comeback’ expert and of course I will be testing extensively. I’m really excited about the race.”
The Frenchman' s development role with Group Lotus will stand him in good stead as he prepares for his new challenge as he will be competing in a Lotus powered by the new Lotus IndyCar engine.
Development of the 2.2l twin turbo V6 is going to schedule with the first engine fire up set for mid October and track testing planned December.
Former Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi will make his return to competitive racing flying the flag for Group Lotus at the world’s biggest motorsport race – the 96th Indy 500 in 2012.
Following a 12 year stint in F1 from 1989 to 2001, Alesi moved onto DTM racing and also raced in the Speedcar series.
Then last year made his most recent competitive race appearance in the Le Mans Series, driving a Ferrari GT.
In January 2011 he joined Group Lotus as a brand ambassador and development consultant on the F1 customer race car, the T125. Although never straying far from the race track, the Indy 500 and oval racing represent completely new challenges for the Group Lotus brand ambassador.
The Frenchman has already begun physical training and working in Dallara's simulator.
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| Photo: IndyCar |
“I’m thrilled that Lotus has given me the opportunity to compete in such a world famous race,” said Jean Alesi.
“It’s going to be a very special experience for me but I also know that I have a lot of hard work ahead. I’m very focused on the task I’m facing – I’m taking my training very seriously, I have some amazing support on this front from a ‘comeback’ expert and of course I will be testing extensively. I’m really excited about the race.”
The Frenchman' s development role with Group Lotus will stand him in good stead as he prepares for his new challenge as he will be competing in a Lotus powered by the new Lotus IndyCar engine.
Development of the 2.2l twin turbo V6 is going to schedule with the first engine fire up set for mid October and track testing planned December.