Alexander Rossi taken to hospital following Indy 500 practice crash
Former winner Alexander Rossi has been taken to hospital for evaluation following a multi-car crash during Monday’s practice session for the Indianapolis 500.
The 2016 champion spun through the second turn on the 2.5-mile oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
His car struck the outside wall before skidding down the track, collecting trailing drivers Pato O’Ward and Romain Grosjean.
Medical evaluations follow track incident
The Californian appeared unsteady as he climbed into a vehicle transporting him to the track’s infield care centre.
Dr Julia Valzer later confirmed that the front-row qualifier had been transferred to a local hospital for further assessment.
O’Ward and Grosjean were also evaluated at the medical centre but were quickly checked and released without serious issue.
Mexican driver O’Ward admitted there was little he could do to avoid the collision at such high speeds.
“Just wrong place, wrong time and just got collected there. These cars don’t stop very well when you’re going at those speeds and with how you run the brakes.”
Grid preparations disrupted ahead of race
The incident marked the first crash on the famous oval this month and leaves several teams facing extensive repair work.
Less than 24 hours prior, Rossi had narrowly missed out on pole position to defending champion Alex Palou, securing a career-best second place start.
Conor Daly, who qualified eighth for his season debut, also sustained damage in the subsequent chaos.
“Unfortunately, we got caught up in the Turn 2 accident in front of us and collected some damage. Hopefully the guys can get that all fixed up.”
The sold-out weekend race has already seen starting grid changes after IndyCar officials penalised Caio Collet and Jack Harvey.
Both drivers were sent to the back of the 33-car field following technical inspections that uncovered unapproved equipment changes.