Vergne To Honor Alesi With Special Helmet At Monaco

When Jean-Eric Vergne was just a young man, F1 driver Jean Alesi came the family karting track for a promotional event, which featured a Sumo westler driving custom made (by JEV's father) kart! - That was also the day that Jean-Eric first tried his hand behind the wheel of a kart. Since that day, the two Frenchmen have kept in touch.   

When Vergne found out - prior to his landing a ride at Scuderia Toro Rosso -  that Alesi was going to try to make the field for the 2012 Indianapolis 500, he vowed to be there in person to watch his mentor race. Since that is no longer possible, Jean-Eric has opted to wear a helmet at Monaco, who's GP is held on the same day as the 500, that pays tribute to man who has given him so much valuable career advice through the years.

 “I was still determined to do something special to mark Jean’s Indy debut and so we came up with the idea, which is quite common here in Monaco in fact, of me using a special design in tribute to him. I think it looks great and I hope it brings us both good luck this weekend.”

Jean Alesi landed his ride due to his long association with Lotus, who are one of the three engine manufacturers in IndyCar this year. At 47 years old, he is (I believe) the oldest 'rookie' ever at Indy.