Given the opportunity with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Michel Jourdain Jr.’s motivation was simple and complete.

“It’s the Indy 500. That’s it. It’s such an amazing race,” said Jourdain, 36, of Mexico. “To do it with a team like this and racing against amazing drivers and amazing teams in the biggest event is such a thrill.”

Jourdain, driving the Honda-powered No. 17 Office Depot car, will attempt to qualify this weekend for his third Indy 500. He's been working with teammates Graham Rahal and James Jakes and getting acclimated to the nuances of the car and 2.5-mile oval this week in practice.

“It’s still a year without driving so it’s a long time,” Jourdain said. “It’s still about getting comfortable in the car and with the track.”

He started 22nd and finished 19th last May in a RLL-prepared car. Jourdain’s first start in the “500” was 1996, when he qualified eighth and finished 13th.

“Last year, for his first race back after a number of years out of an IndyCar, he did a very good job,” team co-owner and 1986 Indianapolis 500 champion Bobby Rahal said.

Jourdain made 152 Indy car starts from 1996-2004. He earned Champ Car victories in 2003 at Montreal and Milwaukee driving for Team Rahal, and had a high finish of second at Las Vegas in 1996 in his three IndyCar Series starts.

He moved to NASCAR's Nationwide Series from 2005-08 and also competed in the Camping World Truck Series in 2006. He’s competed in various rally and sports car races since.

“I would love to be driving full time (in IndyCars), but I’m very happy to be driving in this event and would like to for the next five to 10 years,” said Jourdain, who attended the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. “As long as I’m enjoying it and feel as if I’m doing OK, it’s something I’ll pursue. The racing has been amazing this season and I expect it to be at Indy.”