Ed Carpenter Racing has provided a health update on Alexander Rossi after he underwent minor surgery following a huge practice crash for the Indy 500.
Having qualified second on the grid to Alex Palou, Rossi lost control of his Chevrolet-powered machine during practice on Monday, slamming into the wall on the exit of Turn 2 and nearly becoming inverted during the crash sequence.
McLaren’s Pato O’Ward was forced to take avoiding action and collided with Rossi’s stricken car, albeit facing backwards, with Romain Grosjean also involved as a third party.
Images of Rossi’s car being recovered to the pits showed a huge tyre mark on the aeroscreen after the collision with O’Ward, as the 2016 Indy 500 winner was taken to hospital for checks.
The former F1 racer underwent minor surgery for light injuries, with ECR declaring that it is Rossi’s intention to take to the grid for the race itself on Sunday.
“ECR driver Alexander Rossi underwent successful outpatient procedures this evening to repair minor injuries to a finger on his left hand and his right ankle,” began the statement from Ed Carpenter Racing.
“He sustained the injuries earlier today during an on-track incident while practicing for the Indianapolis 500. Rossi is in good spirits and has no additional injuries.
“Rossi’s recovery will be under the care of IndyCar Medical Director Dr. Julia Vaizer and the IndyCar medical team. His progress will continue to be evaluated with the full intent of participating in final practice on Friday, May 22 and the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24.
“The No. 20 Java House Chevrolet crew will prepare a backup car and return to the track for final practice on Friday, May 22.
“Additional updates will be provided when available.”
