SPEED's Robin Miller reports Lotus ambassador Jean Alesi will attempt to qualify at the Indianapolis 500 in a car entered by former IRL driver Tyce Carlson's Fan Force United Indy Lights team.
The French Formula 1 veteran had previously announced plans to make his rookie run at Indy in an entry to be run by Newman/Haas Racing, but that squad subsequently withdrew its entry, citing lack of preparation time. Alesi had also been linked with a second car run by Keith Wiggins' HVM Racing squad, but SPEED reports that team has opted to focus on its single entry for Simona de Silvestro.
If confirmed, the Alesi/Fan Force United combo would give the field 33 driver/car combinations for the Memorial Day weekend classic. Rookie orientation starts at Indy on Thursday.