Alexander Rossi has undergone surgery following a horror crash during Indy 500 practice on Thursday that left the American hospitalised.
IndyCar’s crash clean record for May ended in a horror crash on Monday, as Rossi lost control of his #20 car in Turn 2, hitting the wall at over 200 mph.
Upon impact with the SAFER barrier, his car was launched into the air, though thankfully, it avoided flipping over, instead thumping back on the tarmac.
The impact or the crash became evident immediatley, the side of his car ripped to shreds, Pato O’Ward’s McLaren spinning while taking avoiding action and colliding with the ECR, wrecking his car as well in the process.
O’Ward and Romain Grosjean, who also hit the barrier while attempting to avoid the car, were seen by medical staff and cleared, but Rossi required hospital transfer.
IndyCar confirms status of Alexander Rossi
IndyCar has now released a statement via social media, providing an update on Rossi, confirming he remains under observation after requiring minor surgery to his knee and fingers as a result of his crash.
“ECR announces Alexander Rossi underwent successful outpatient procedures to repair minor injuries to his left hand and right ankle sustained in today’s practice incident at@IMS. The No. 20 driver remains under evaluation with the intent to compete in Friday’s Carb Day practice and Sunday’s Indianapolis 500.”
Rossi is said to be in good spirits and recovering well, aiming to take part in Miller Lite Carb Day final practice scheduled for Friday.
Such was the ferocity of Rossi’s crash, ECR will need to prepare a new chassis for Rossi, who starts a career best second for this weekend’s Indy 500.
Rossi’s crash is a reminder of the dangers of oval racing, but also a testament to the SAFER barriers and Aeroscreen. O’Ward’s car hit Rossi’s side and would have likely penetrated the cockpit if not for both of these safety measures.
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