Sidelined for the first five days of practice for the Indianapolis 500 after breaking with former engine supplier Lotus, Dragon Racing finally restarted its IndyCar program on Thursday with Chevrolet engines for its two cars, driven by Sebastien Bourdais and Katherine Legge. IndyCar confirmed that it has approved the engine partner change for Jay Penske's team, as required by series regulations.
"We are pleased to see this issue resolved as we head into the final practice days in advance of qualifying," said Indycar CEO Randy Bernard. "I have to thank all parties for working together to help preserve the traditions of the Indianapolis 500."
IndyCar officials will make provisions for Legge to begin the Indianapolis 500 Rookie Orientation Program today. Bourdais needs to complete an Indianapolis 500 refresher program, and finally got on track just after 10 a.m. this morning.
"I'm happy to be out there, but the problem is we have two days to figure
it out," said Bourdais, referring to Pole Day qualifications on Saturday.
"It doesn't take much to go from a bad car to a good car and vice versa,
so it's just a few steps away from where it needs to be."
With the addition of the Dragon Racing entries, Chevrolet looks set to power 16 of the 33 anticipated starters for the Indianapolis 500 on May 27.