READING, Pa., April 30 (UPI) -- Two-time CART champion Gil de Ferran has been cleared to drive in next month's Indianapolis 500, Penske Racing announced Wednesday.
De Ferran has been idle since suffering head and neck injuries in a crash March 23 during the IndyCar Purex/Dial Indy 200 at Phoenix International Raceway. The 35-year-old Brazilian will return to the track Sunday, when the Indianapolis Motor Speedway opens.
"Although it wasn't the type of time off I would've preferred, it was nice to have a little break, and now it's time to go back to work," de Ferran said. "From a physical standpoint, I'm nearly at the same level of fitness I was prior to the start of the season."
De Ferran led the 2001 Indianapolis 500 for 27 laps before finishing second to Penske Racing teammate and countryman Helio Castroneves.
