Pagenaud examines the famous car he will drive on Sunday. Photo: Simon Pagenaud
Simon Pagenaud will return to the wheel for this year’s Indianapolis 500, taking a lap in honor of Gil de Ferran’s winning car at the Indy 500.
Pagenaud has been out of action since a dramatic accident last July, where he rolled multiple times through the gravel at high speed at Mid-Ohio.
Concussion-like symptoms have persisted for the Frenchman in the 11 months since the accident, but he continues to recover slowly.
The first time Pagenaud will return to driving a race car will be in preparation for this year’s Indy 500, where he will drive the 2003 Team Penske car around the track as a tribute to his long-time friend, de Ferran.
“Gil de Ferran has been my inspiration, not only as a driver, but also as a father,” said Pagenaud.
“I have grown very close to him, Angela, Anna, and Luke over the years. Through this tribute, I am thrilled that we can remember Gil’s victory in Indianapolis in this iconic Team Penske design.
“The colors, the helmet, the sound, the memories, and the fact that he taught me everything about this place. I remember late nights and countless hours with my mentor discussing all the intricate details to cross the finish line at the Speedway.
“When Angela, Luke, and Anna called me and asked me to drive Gil’s car, I couldn’t help but shed tears, as I am so grateful for the opportunity to remember everyone on this incredible race day of the exceptional driver, father, and man he was.”
De Ferran unexpectedly passed away late last year, suffering a medical incident while driving on a club track in Florida.
He had been providing guidance to Arrow McLaren in an advisory role, using his years of experience in CART and IndyCar to help the team’s current drivers maximize their performance.
His 2003 car features the renowned design of Marlboro Team Penske and will be as captivating to the public as the sight of Pagenaud back behind the wheel.
The lap will be completed as part of the IMS Museum’s historic car parade, scheduled to take place at 10:40am, subject to weather conditions.
