I decided to do the maximum to hold onto the lead for as long as possible. That is why I pushed so hard from the beginning. I was at 100 percent concentration.

Formula One

Alesi debuted in the 1989 French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard in a Tyrrell-Ford replacing Michele Alboreto and finishing a brilliant fourth. A fallout after the British Grand Prix however saw Alesi walk out after the German Grand Prix where he scored a point. In September Alesi announced that he will attempt to qualify for the 2012 Indianapolis 500 in a car powered by a Lotus-badged engine.

Jean Alesi (born Giovanni Alesi; 11 June 1964) is a French racing driver of Italian origin. His Formula One career included spells at Tyrrell Benetton Sauber Prost Jordan and most notably Ferrari where he proved very popular among the tifosi.