Former Formula 1 star Jean Alesi made big news last September when he declared that he would make a racing comeback at the Indianapolis 500 this year in a Lotus-powered car, but those plans appeared to have come to nought due to the problems with Lotus engine supply. However, French motorsports publication
AUTOHebdo claims that the Sicilian could still compete at Indianapolis next month – for Newman/Haas Racing. It offered no other details.
Carl Haas' squad has been sidelined this season due to lack of sponsorship, although it has been assisting Dragon Racing with its Lotus-powered cars. The 47-year-old Alesi – a "brand ambassador" for Lotus Cars – had been tipped to drive a second car for HVM Racing at Indy alongside Simona de Silvestro, but HVM boss Keith Wiggins told the Indianapolis Star earlier this week that "their wasn't enough money to do it."