Indy 500: Alex Rossi was involved in a serious accident

      Alex Rossi, a driver for Ed Carpenter Racing, achieved the 2nd best time in the qualifying for the Indy 500, but now his participation in the famous race is in question. During yesterday's practice at the oval racetrack in Indianapolis, Alex was involved in a serious accident and was subsequently taken to the hospital, where he successfully underwent surgery, according to American sources. About half an hour into the practice, car No. 20 was spun at a very high speed in Turn 2 of the track, resulting in a severe crash into the barriers at the exit. Then, Rossi's Dallara was hit by Patricio O'Ward's car, a McLaren driver, which lost control while trying to avoid a collision. Another participant in the accident was Romain Grosjean, a Formula 1 veteran who returned to the IndyCar series this year and is racing for Dale Coyne Racing. All three underwent initial examinations at the medical center of the racetrack, after which O'Ward and Grosjean were allowed to continue participating in the Indy 500 program, while Rossi's situation is more complicated. On Monday evening, the former Formula 1 driver and 2016 Indy 500 winner underwent minor surgeries related to injuries to the finger of his left hand and the ankle of his right leg. No other serious injuries were found, and Rossi, according to his team, is in good spirits. Medical staff will continue to monitor his condition, and they will need to decide whether Rossi will be able to return to the wheel on Friday to continue practice and preparation for the Indy 500. If he is not cleared, it will undoubtedly be very disappointing for him, as the second result he achieved on Sunday is his best qualifying performance in all his time participating in this race. In this case, the organizers of the Indy 500 will have to conduct an additional practice session to give the driver who will replace Rossi a chance to prepare. The most likely candidates are Callum Ilott, who raced for Prema Racing last season, and Linus Lundqvist.