Emotions before departure
In the hours preceding the start of the Indianapolis 500 there are various touching moments for the fans and the public present at the Speedway, who will be able to see them behind the wheel of a single-seater again Simon Pagenaud before the start of this edition. Not just any car for the Frenchman, as well as historic for the most anticipated open-wheel race in the United States.
In a friend’s car
The transalpine, in fact, will complete a lap behind the wheel of the Penske from 2003the same single-seater with which the late Gil de Ferran he won the Indianapolis 500 of that year. This was announced by Pagenaud himself, a friend of the Brazilian pilot who passed away at the age of 56 last December: “Gil de Ferran was my role model, not only as a driver but also as a father – he has declared – I got to be very close to him, Angela, Anna and Luke over the years. Thanks to this tribute, I am happy to be able to remember Gil who won Indianapolis with this iconic Team Penske livery. The colors, the helmet, the sound, the memories and the fact that he taught me everything about this place. I remember the sleepless nights and countless hours spent with my Yoda talking about all the details of getting to victory lane at the Speedway. When Angela, Luke and Anna called me to ask me to drive Gil’s car, I couldn’t hold back the tears because I feel so grateful to have the chance to remind everyone, on this fantastic day of racing, of the great driver, father and man he was.”
Furthermore, Pagenaud will return to the cockpit for the first time after the serious accident that occurred last July in Mid-Ohio, due to which he was forced to prematurely end the 2023 season and not participate in this year’s season. to follow a rehabilitation program.
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