Well Alesi is ambassador of the non-Tony Fernandez part of Lotus. So it kind of makes sense that he will be in Indy in that role. And to be honest, can he be any worse then Scott Speed in his attempt to qualify? I also believe that the Indy 500 will again see 33 cars. I mean, those teams joining (there is rumor about a GrandAm and a ALMS team who build up an IndyCar satelite team for next season, each) will compensate the downsizing of some Indy Car teams. IndyCar has been in worse and weaker position before, with less then 20 fulltimers, and still got those 33 cars together.
It is kind of unfair, however, that Jean may use the Dallara simulator. There were other Indy rookies who would have loved to get that chance, especially with the new car. Also I have to agree with Phil, which full-blood racer could refuse to drive the Indy500, one of the oldest races in all of motorsports!