Alexander Rossi has been spotted wearing a heavy cast on his right leg just days before the Indianapolis 500, raising fresh questions about his condition ahead of Sunday’s race.
The 2016 Indy 500 winner was taken to hospital earlier this week after a violent practice crash with Pato O’Ward and Romain Grosjean at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Despite rising speculation over his fitness, Rossi and Ed Carpenter Racing still expect him to race after qualifying on the front row of the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Alexander Rossi’s Indy 500 status still under review
Rossi suffered injuries to his right ankle and left hand in Monday’s crash after losing control entering Turn 2. His car spun into the outside wall before O’Ward and Grosjean were caught up in the incident while trying to avoid him.
According to AOL, Rossi underwent outpatient procedures on both his ankle and left hand after the crash. Ed Carpenter Racing also confirmed the team immediately began preparing a backup car ahead of race weekend.
According to Reuters, IndyCar medical director Dr. Julia Vaizer confirmed Rossi was alert and in good spirits after being taken to a local hospital for checks.
Speaking to Fox Sports and other outlets after the crash, O’Ward explained how difficult it was to avoid Rossi once the incident unfolded mid-corner.
“I saw Rossi spinning, and it’s really tough to stop these cars, especially in the middle of a corner when you smash the brake. It’s obviously very heavy rearward and didn’t really have a lot of stopping power.”
Rossi later appeared on the Off Track Podcast with a large protective cast on his right leg, raising more questions about whether he will be fit to complete the 500 mile race.
Ed Carpenter Racing confident Rossi will line up on the front row
Despite the visible injuries, Rossi and his team remain outwardly confident about his participation. The Californian qualified second, earning the best starting position of his Indianapolis career.
Speaking to the Associated Press via MRT, Ed Carpenter Racing president Tim Broyles said everyone involved remains optimistic Rossi will still race on Sunday.
“I feel like with where he is at, everybody from the doctors to Alex is super optimistic he’s going to be ready to go.”
Broyles also said the team has backup plans if Rossi suffers any setbacks before final practice on Friday.
Rossi remains one of the most experienced drivers in the current IndyCar field after winning the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie in 2016. He will attempt to chase a second victory despite potentially racing through significant discomfort.
The crash also forced O’Ward into a backup car due to severe damage, while Grosjean is expected to race after avoiding serious injury.
Read more:
