Jean Alesi Racing for Lotus in next year's Indy 500

Lotus revolutionized the Indianapolis 500. It was not the first European manufacturer to enter the race, but the company took second in 1963, had a suspension failure from the lead in 1964 and won in 1965. 

The company will make a return to the Brickyard in 2012 with a Lotus-powered car driven by brand ambassador and ex-Forumla 1 driver Jean Alesi. The engine powering the car will be a twin-turbocharged 2.2l V6. 

It will be Alesi's first time competing in the 200 lap, 500 mile race. 

In his years since leaving Formula 1, Alesi has driven in the DTM series and is now helping Lotus develop its customer F1 car, named the T125. 

Alesi will begin testing the Indy car in December and the race is set for May 27, 2012.