Pagenaud examines the famous car he will drive on Sunday. Photo: Simon Pagenaud
Simon Pagenaud will return to the driver’s seat for this year’s Indianapolis 500, taking a tribute lap in Gil de Ferran’s winning car from the Indy 500.
Pagenaud has been out of action since a dramatic crash last July, where he rolled multiple times through the gravel at high speeds in Mid-Ohio.
Concussion-like symptoms have lingered for the Frenchman in the 11 months since the accident, but he continues to slowly recover.
The first time Pagenaud will drive a race car again will be leading up to 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 just as a racer but also as a father,” said Pagenaud.
“I have become 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 all the intricate details to reach victory lane 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 to have the opportunity to remind everyone on this incredible race day of the exceptional racer, father, and man he was.”
de Ferran unexpectedly passed away at the end of last year, experiencing a medical incident while driving on a club track in Florida.
He had been providing guidance to Arrow McLaren in an advisory role, utilizing his years of experience in CART and IndyCar to help the team’s current drivers maximize their performance.
His 2003 car showcases the renowned Marlboro Team Penske design and will be just as captivating to the crowd 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 occur at 10:40 AM, subject to weather conditions.