Mario Andretti to try and qualify for Indy

Andretti, 63, will test an Andretti Green Racing Dallara-Honda today (Wednesday), although the legend is unlikely to participate in the race itself.

"Michael asked me if I wanted to give it a try and I said sure, so tomorrow we're going to go out and see if I can become part of this equation," Andretti told ESPN. "I think the only reason he asked me was because he knew I'd do it for free, but I'm looking forward to seeing what it feels like."

Andretti Green Racing's Indy preparations have been hit by injury to two of its drivers. Dario Franchitti has been ruled out of the event following a motorbike accident, whilst Tony Kanaan fractured his arm in a crash in the last IRL IndyCar Series race, although the Brazilian hopes to return in time for Indy.

Under Indy 500 rules, a team can replace the driver of any car that has qualified for the race. This means that Andretti would be likely to step aside for another driver, either Kanaan or another substitute, for the race itself.

Andretti last competed at Indianapolis in 1994, but last raced in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2000. The move is particularly surprising since Andretti, who sits on the Champ Car board of directors, has been one of the most vocal opponents of the oval-only IRL series. AJ Foyt currently holds the record for the oldest driver to qualify for the race, at 57 years old.