Indy 500 front-row starter Rossi injured in massive practice crash

Alexander Rossi’s preparations for next weekend’s Indy 500 were thrown into chaos on Monday after the front-row starter underwent surgery for minor injuries sustained in a terrifying multi-car crash during practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 2016 Indy 500 winner, who qualified second for Sunday’s 110th running of the iconic race, suffered injuries to a finger on his left hand and his right ankle after a violent accident in post-qualifying practice.

Rossi lost control of his No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet exiting Turn 2 before slamming rear-first into the outside wall. The force of the impact lifted the car onto its side and sent it spinning back across the track into the path of oncoming traffic.

What followed was a heart-stopping secondary impact as McLaren driver Pato O’Ward crashed side-on into Rossi’s stranded machine. Former Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean was also collected in the incident as debris scattered across the Speedway.

Rossi undergoes surgery after horror impact

The damage to Rossi’s car revealed the violence of the crash. The left sidepod had been ripped clean away, while visible scarring near the aeroscreen highlighted the severity of the contact.

Rossi was transported to a local hospital, where he underwent successful surgery before Ed Carpenter Racing confirmed the injuries were relatively minor – and remarkably, that he still intends to race this weekend.

“Rossi is in good spirits and has no additional injuries,” ECR said.

“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.”

The incident cast a dark shadow over the Speedway just 48 hours after Rossi had narrowly missed pole position in qualifying.

O’Ward and Grosjean recount terrifying moments

O’Ward, who had little time to react as Rossi’s car rebounded into the racing line, described the helplessness of the moment.

"I saw Rossi spinning and it's really tough to stop these cars, especially in the middle of the corner when you smash the brake," O'Ward said.

"I was just trying to get away but as soon as I pulled the car down - because I knew Rossi's car was going to bounce off the wall - that's when the rear kind of went from me, and I lost it there. Just feel for the guys that have to rebuild the car.”

Grosjean, who got caught in the chain reaction, admitted the accident unfolded too quickly for drivers to escape.

"Most important thing is that everyone is okay. It happens. Rossi spun, Pato spun trying to avoid, and I also spun,” the Frenchman said.

“Not ideal. It's going to take some time to work on the car. Hoping that Friday's a dry day so we get two hours of practice, and make sure the car is as good as the one we had here, and go race.

"I had to go down to the left to avoid the cars on the right-hand side, and that was at the highest point of Gs, and I had to brake, slow down, and the car just spun. Shit happens."

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