Eight IndyCar drivers got their first taste of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday as there were invited to go thru the Rookie Orientation Program (ROP) in order to take part in the upcoming Indianapolis 500.
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| Simon Pagenaud. (Photo: IMS) |
Among them was ex-Formula One veteran
Jean Alesi who took part in the session aboard the Fan Force United team' DW12 Lotus-powered.
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| Jean Alesi. (Photo: IMS) |
The Frenchman completed 18 laps and will be back Friday to complete his ROP along with other Indy 500 rookie Foyt driver Wade Cunningham.
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| Rubens Barrichello coached by Tony Kanaan. (Photo: IMS) |
Rubens Barrichello (KV Racing Technology), Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing duo Josef Newgarden and Bryan Clauson, Dale Coyne's James Jakes - who did not qualify in 2011 - Schmidt Hamilton's Simon Pagenaud and returnee Michel Jourdain Jr of Rahal Letterman Lanigan were also on hand to take part in the practice Thursday.
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| Bryan Clauson. (Photo: IMS) |
