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 drive a race car again 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 longtime friend, de Ferran.
«Gil de Ferran has been my inspiration, not only as a driver, but also as a father,» Pagenaud said.
«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 at 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 every intricate detail to get to 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 the exceptional driver, father, and man that he was.»
De Ferran passed away unexpectedly last year, suffering a medical incident while driving on a club track in Florida.
Él había estado brindando orientación a Arrow McLaren en un papel consultivo, utilizando sus años de experiencia en CART e IndyCar para ayudar a los pilotos actuales del equipo a maximizar su rendimiento.
Su auto de 2003 presenta el renombrado diseño del Marlboro Team Penske y será tan cautivador para el público como la visión de Pagenaud de regreso al volante.
La vuelta se completará como parte del desfile de autos históricos del IMS Museum, programado para llevarse a cabo a las 10:40, sujeto a las condiciones climáticas.
