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Alesi confirms Indy500 entry

Started by H0R , Sep 23 2011 09:49

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80 replies to this topic

#1 H0R

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 09:49

http://twitter.com/#!/Alesi_Officiel
And I confirm Alesi is nuts. But he obviously has balls. I have to admit that I am impressed.

Edited by H0R, 23 September 2011 - 09:50.

#2 Massa

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 09:50

Yes, heavy balls. It's a pure racer, a real one

Edited by Massa, 23 September 2011 - 09:51.

#3 Jejking

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 12:06

That guy has some serious ball issues, is he out of his mind? RESPECT _O_

#4 fauxhemian

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 12:55

Awesome, I'm already looking forward to this

#5 FenderJaguar

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 13:18

I don't think he will give the oval as much respect, thought and planning as he probably should in order to do well at Indy. I wouldn't mind being wrong - not at all but right now I think he is just stupid.

#6 alfista

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 13:19

If there are true racers around then Jean obviously is one of them even if it is hard to expect any success at Indy.

#7 Watkins74

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 13:24

I don't think he will give the oval as much respect, thought and planning as he probably should in order to do well at Indy. I wouldn't mind being wrong - not at all but right now I think he is just stupid.

If Milka Duno can do it I am sure Alesi can pull it off.

#8 Rob

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 13:38

I think Jean Alesi is one of those who could do very well at it. He was always very good at the high speed tracks and was always up for some wheel to wheel combat.

If the equipment is fine and his fitness is good, I think he'll finish in the top 10.

#9 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 13:40

If you can stay on the lead lap you're odds on for a top 10...

#10 Boing 2

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 14:07

Love it! but he's a bit of a Montoya, a hustler who was made for drivers circuits. Not sure the ovals will suit him.

#11 Rob

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 14:19

Love it! but he's a bit of a Montoya, a hustler who was made for drivers circuits. Not sure the ovals will suit him.

Montoya did fine on the ovals.

#12 DrProzac

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 14:36

Good news

#13 Boing 2

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 15:04

Montoya did fine on the ovals.

Yeah, in single seaters I guess but not in stocks. I hope I'm wrong, I'd love to see the guy do well but the ovals srtike me as being made for patience, not a quality Jean was known for.

#14 WBarnato

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 16:05

Please help me out here.

But is he actually racing "for Lotus" - as in Group Lotus have a Indy entry for 2012, or is he racing a KV Racing (or whatever it is) sponsored by Lotus? As far as I was aware Lotus haven't submitted a team for 2012, and by all reports their engine programme was running late (http://auto-racing.s...-engine-supply/), and KV Racing are having a Chevrolet engine (although I don't know whether they'll be sponsored by Lotus still).

Eitherway its a brave move. I really hope he hasnt been forced into it for commercial reasons!

#15 David M. Kane

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 16:16

Indy car racing needs all the help it can get. :up:

#16 Les

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 16:42

Wow. Brilliant news. He must be nuts but the guy is a legend!

#17 Red17

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 16:51

Please help me out here.

But is he actually racing "for Lotus" - as in Group Lotus have a Indy entry for 2012, or is he racing a KV Racing (or whatever it is) sponsored by Lotus? As far as I was aware Lotus haven't submitted a team for 2012, and by all reports their engine programme was running late (http://auto-racing.s...-engine-supply/), and KV Racing are having a Chevrolet engine (although I don't know whether they'll be sponsored by Lotus still).

Eitherway its a brave move. I really hope he hasnt been forced into it for commercial reasons!

That's the beauty of Indy, if you have enough cash you can sort of «lease» a car from an existing team, name it after you and show up. KV should be out of their cards but that doesnt mean GL cannot lend a car from someone and actually put their name as owners.
Nothing yet has surfaced about their engine programm but one team is sort of confirmed to use «Judd engines».
Alesi should do well there, he has the crazyness and the fanbase for it. If he sucked that much im sure the Tifosi would have thrown him out instead of worshiping him at Ferrari.

edit: I doubt GL would do a full entry, they would have to pay the whole crew, dig sponsors, etc, too much money.

Edited by Red17, 23 September 2011 - 16:52.

#18 PNSD

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 17:00

If Milka Duno can do it I am sure Alesi can pull it off.

Wonder if he'll be vying for Conway's #27

#19 teejay

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 17:05

Respect. Hope he wins it

#20 WBarnato

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 17:18

Thanks for clarifying that Red.

So basically, with a Dallara chasis and aero package, a Judd engine, and rented crew its almost exactly like LRGP - i.e. not a Lotus at all!

#21 Kubiccia

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 17:46

Alesi is one of my favourite drivers of all time, I'll love to see him race again.

Will this be for the whole Indy Championship or only for Indianapolis 500 miles?

#22 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 17:47

edit: I doubt GL would do a full entry, they would have to pay the whole crew, dig sponsors, etc, too much money.

You could be very competitive at Indy for $1million.

#23 MaxCrazyEddieCayer

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 17:53

Good News! looking Forward to this Event. With a Bit of luck and A Good car, He will do well.

#24 wrighty

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 17:58

If you can stay on the lead lap you're odds on for a top 10...

Alesi's biggest problem is his legendary reputation for driving around the car setup shortcomings.....it can work in lots of cars to a certain extent, but it doesn't work at Indy.

Good luck though, if he enjoys it, listens and learns he's got the huevos to do well :up:

#25 edruth56

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 19:48

Thanks for clarifying that Red.

So basically, with a Dallara chasis and aero package, a Judd engine, and rented crew its almost exactly like LRGP - i.e. not a Lotus at all!

Dallara are producing a safety cell monocoque, which forms the basis of every car. Teams/manufacturers are free from 2013 to put their own bodywork on the safety cell ( not next year due to lack of time and money). So you are correct in saying that next year he'l be driving a Dallara. From 2013 however, cars will be named based on what bodywork they run, Chevy , Honda, dallara, Lotus, Oreca and others.

As for the engine, designed by Lotus ,built by John Judd, badged as a Lotus. I dont get the fuss about this? Chevy are using badged Ilmors... but you dont hear the critics jumping up and down about that do you?

Lotus are also looking at purchasing a stake in an existing team, and making it their works team.

Ed.

#26 pacificquay

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 19:57

I wish he wasn't doing this.

He retired from F1 11 years ago, and got out safe.

And now at 47 he'll risk killing himself at the Indy 500.

Sheer stupidity.

#27 se7en_24

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 19:57

Is this the same Alesi who was easily the slowest works Mercedes DTM driver over half a decade ago? Good luck.

#28 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 20:02

I wish he wasn't doing this.

He retired from F1 11 years ago, and got out safe.

And now at 47 he'll risk killing himself at the Indy 500.

Sheer stupidity.

Since Alesi started racing, Indianapolis has a similar fatality rate to Formula 1.

#29 TennisUK

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 21:41

If Group Lotus can't cobble together an engine in time maybe he'll run in a car sponsored by GL like KV did this year, running a Honda or Chevy in a Dallara.

It does seem strange GL didn't work with Cosworth to produce an engine - at least KV would sign up for that motor. The extended 15th September deadline for Lotus has passed very quietly - are they realistically going to be on the grid next year?

#30 Dolph

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 22:05

Love it! but he's a bit of a Montoya, a hustler who was made for drivers circuits. Not sure the ovals will suit him.

Quick fact: Montoya won the Indy 500.

#31 F1Johnny

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 22:10

Since Alesi started racing, Indianapolis has a similar fatality rate to Formula 1.

True

F1: Senna, Ratzenberger

Indy: Jovy Marcelo, Scott Brayton, In 2003 Tony Renna was killed doing some Firestone testing.

But the injuries have been huge. I remember seeing Piquet's crash, Stan Fox's legs hanging out, Sam Schimdt.

I worry that he could really hurt himself.

#32 F1Johnny

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 22:12

Quick fact: Montoya won the Indy 500.

#33 edruth56

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 22:27

If Group Lotus can't cobble together an engine in time maybe he'll run in a car sponsored by GL like KV did this year, running a Honda or Chevy in a Dallara.

It does seem strange GL didn't work with Cosworth to produce an engine - at least KV would sign up for that motor. The extended 15th September deadline for Lotus has passed very quietly - are they realistically going to be on the grid next year?

Oh FFS................

Development of the 2.2l twin turbo V6 is going to schedule with the first engine fire up set for mid October and track testing planned December.

As for the deadline,supposedly for new teams it is the 30th of Sept. But deadlines/rules/regulations mean nothing to Indycar officials. See Barnhart, Brian for evidence

Michael Shank Racing are rumored to be using the Lotus engine, guess we will find out in a week if there is an enforced deadline

#34 TennisUK

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 22:53

Michael Shank Racing are rumored to be using the Lotus engine, guess we will find out in a week if there is an enforced deadline

actually this is interesting:
http://auto-racing.s...-for-2012-debut

The team will likely use Judd engines in 2012, and driver news isn't expected until early next year.

Hmm, Judd?

#35 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 22:59

That's who's making the Lotus engine. There are physical engine(s) designed, Lotus just needs to pay and teams need to sign up.

#36 edruth56

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 23:37

actually this is interesting:
http://auto-racing.s...-for-2012-debut

Hmm, Judd?

And Chevrolet are using Ilmor made engines......... Ilmor made 'Mercedes' engines for years etc etc.

Engine badging is pretty darn common

#37 AlexS

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 23:38

Excellent news. This will make me follow Indy 500. When it will be?

#38 TennisUK

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 23:46

And Chevrolet are using Ilmor made engines......... Ilmor made 'Mercedes' engines for years etc etc.

Engine badging is pretty darn common

Of course, but you don't read about Andretti running Ilmors next year, they are running Chevrolets. It seems odd to say Judd when they could say Lotus ;) I wonder if Proton may have had cold feet and Judd are going alone? It might explain the radio silence from Norfolk on the matter.

#39 Arska

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Posted 24 September 2011 - 00:51

Jean should ask Nelson Piquet about the sensibility of his decision.

#40 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 24 September 2011 - 00:52

Because F1 drivers are more likely to have leg injuring crashes?

#41 Dispenser89

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Posted 24 September 2011 - 00:54

Great news. One of my favourite drivers growing up. It will be interesting to see how well he does, top 10 can't be out of the realm of possibility.

#42 WBarnato

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Posted 24 September 2011 - 01:04

Now I am confused.

Lotus might be buying another team, instead of creating their own? This would make sence considering the budgets and expertise, but which team would it be?

The aero package that they were going to deliver, but fell behind with, but its OK because the rules don't require it until 2013 means that the car with running at the Brickyard in 2012 will still be a Dallara?

And finally the Lotus designed, Judd built, Lotus badged, now looking like Judd badged engine. Is it confirmed that it will be a Lotus engine or a Judd? Also according to Olivier Picquenot the engine fireups are likely to be October (instead of September), however, the new teams have to sign to the engine deal by the end of the September? Has anyone signed for the Lotus/Judd engine?

2013 is going to be a very busy year for Lotus. New Esprit, potential for a works Indy programme, possibility of renaming LRGP after the next Concorde Agreement. Thank god the world economy is looking so healthy to support all of this!

#43 pingu666

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Posted 24 September 2011 - 07:04

why would lotus design a engine? I mean there road cars use there own brand engines dont they? oh wait they dont :lol:

. so its judd engine with a badge on it.

pretty cool that jean is going to give it a try, guess he was attracted to the magic that is indy.

hardest thing will probably be qualifying, but it guess its unknown what the wings and downforce levels will be. with the current car the rear wing is tilted back so much it doesnt produce any downforce :eek:

on the qualy setups.

#44 DrProzac

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Posted 24 September 2011 - 09:22

Please don't change this topic to another Group Lotus discussion. I think that most of us are sick and tired of it.

#45 Amphicar

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Posted 24 September 2011 - 09:51

Of course, but you don't read about Andretti running Ilmors next year, they are running Chevrolets. It seems odd to say Judd when they could say Lotus ;) I wonder if Proton may have had cold feet and Judd are going alone? It might explain the radio silence from Norfolk on the matter.

Perhaps it is like the DFV engine back in the day - it was paid for and badged as a Ford but everyone called it a Cosworth.

#46 Amphicar

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Posted 24 September 2011 - 09:55

Of course, but you don't read about Andretti running Ilmors next year, they are running Chevrolets. It seems odd to say Judd when they could say Lotus ;) I wonder if Proton may have had cold feet and Judd are going alone? It might explain the radio silence from Norfolk on the matter.

Radio silence? http://www.lotuscars...n/alesi-indy500

#47 TennisUK

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Posted 24 September 2011 - 10:58

Radio silence? http://www.lotuscars...n/alesi-indy500

Jean’s development role with Group Lotus will stand him in good stead as he prepares for his new challenge as he will be competing in a Lotus powered by the new Lotus IndyCar engine.

Who writes this stuff!

Development of the 2.2l twin turbo V6 is going to schedule with the first engine fire up set for mid October and track testing planned December.

OK, that's the first official word for a while, let's see what happens!

#48 peacockantony

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Posted 24 September 2011 - 14:02

Who writes this stuff!

OK, that's the first official word for a while, let's see what happens!

Dany Bahar :rotfl:

It seems to be him that loves to say a load of bull$h!t that is completely made up. But after all he is a marketing man!

#49 edruth56

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Posted 24 September 2011 - 20:14

Now I am confused.

The aero package that they were going to deliver, but fell behind with, but its OK because the rules don't require it until 2013 means that the car with running at the Brickyard in 2012 will still be a Dallara?

Thats a plain lie. The teams fought the introduction of the aero kits citing costs. Nowhere has anyone said Lotus fell behind.

Dany Bahar It seems to be him that loves to say a load of bull$h!t that is completely made up. But after all he is a marketing man!

Dont you get tired of copying and pasting the same pathetic phrases in every thread that mentions Lotus?????

#50 TennisUK

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Posted 24 September 2011 - 21:15

Thats a plain lie. The teams fought the introduction of the aero kits citing costs. Nowhere has anyone said Lotus fell behind.

Correct. Though it should be noted the Lotus aero kit was actually going to be penned by Dallara...

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Alesi confirms Indy500 entry

#1 H0R

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#3 Jejking

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