Jean Alesi to enter Indy 500 next year

[John S]

Jean Alesi confirms he will make his Indianapolis 500 debut in 2012.              

The ex-Formula 1 racer will be backed by Group Lotus, for which he now works as an ambassador. Alesi has not yet revealed which team he will be driving for, but his entry will be powered by a Lotus engine. The company is joining Honda and Chevrolet as an IndyCar supplier as the series launches its new technical package for 2012.

"The rumour has been growing and I can now officially confirm it here in Singapore, I will definitely be on the grid of the Indy 500, on May 27 2012," said Alesi.

After leaving F1 at the end of the 2001 season, Alesi spent five years in the DTM before contesting the Speedcar Series in 2008. The 47-year-old Frenchman's last racing appearance was in a GT programme with the AF Corse Ferrari team last year.

"Be very sure that this is not a case of me going through a mid-life crisis," Alesi added.                       
                     .......... Really?

Autosport.com, Today.