Despite safety concerns and slower post times, IndyCar officials announced that drivers using Lotus engines will not get an extra power boost for Sunday’s Indianapolis 500, according to the Associated Press.
Indy 500: Lotus Drivers Will Not Get Engine Power Boost
The decision affects only two drivers in the field: Switzerland's Simona de Silvestro and France's Jean Alesi, who will start the race in 32nd and 33rd, respectively.
The decision temporarily puts to rest a growing story line of whether drivers using Lotus engines should be given a handicap of sorts when pitted against better-performing Chevrolet and Honda engines.
Instead of the power boost, race officials will monitor race-day speeds to ensure that all drivers are moving within the 105 percent of the pace of the current leaders.
While the varying performance levels of engines among Indy 500 participants may initially seem to be an issue of competition, it actually is more about safety, as Alesi has told the media he believes he could serve as an impediment for other drivers, and felt “unsafe” consistently driving at slower speeds.
De Silvestro has already gone on record saying she will look to stay out of the driving lanes of the favorites and not look to cause problems.
Final qualifying times showed a 16 MPH disparity between Alesi (210 MPH) and pole sitter Ryan Briscoe (226 MPH).
Any car that does not maintain the 105 percent pace during the race will be forced off the track.
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