Alexander Rossi suffered minor injuries in a Monday practice crash and while he is intends to run the race, his status remains uncertain for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500.
ECR confirmed the news on Monday night via social media, with a statement noting the 2016 Indy 500 champion “underwent successful outpatient procedures this evening to repair minor injuries to a finger on his left hand and his right ankle.”
Rossi suffered the injuries during the early part of the first post-qualifying practice on Monday, which was shortened due to severe weather.
The 34-year-old California native, who narrowly missed the pole and qualified second last Sunday, was pounding laps around Indianapolis Motor Speedway under cloudy skies when he spun off Turn 2 roughly 25 minutes into the practice session. The rear of his #20 ECR Chevrolet slammed into the wall first, with the impact putting the car on its side briefly before sitting back down, which is when the #5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet of Pato O’Ward also spun and slammed into Rossi’s ride. The carnage saw the left sidepod of Rossi’s car practically ripped away by the contact, along with visible marks by the aeroscreen. Dale Coyne Racing’s Romain Grosjean was also involved, but, like O’Ward, was seen and released from the Infield Care Center.
Rossi was transported to a nearby hospital roughly 90 minutes after his crash.
The message by ECR via social continued by stating the following:
“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.”
Alexander Rossi, Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: Penske Entertainment
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
– The Motorsport.com Team
