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, suffered injuries to a finger on his left hand and his right ankle after losing control of his No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet exiting Turn 2. The impact lifted the car onto its side, sending it spinning back into oncoming traffic, collecting McLaren's Pato O'Ward and former F1 driver Romain Grosjean.

Why it matters:

Rossi was a leading contender for the win after his front-row qualifying effort. This crash threatens not only his race weekend but also the competitive balance, forcing his team to prepare a backup car under severe time constraints.

The details:

• Rossi was transported to a local hospital and underwent successful surgery. Ed Carpenter Racing confirmed the injuries are relatively minor.
• The team stated Rossi is in good spirits and intends to participate in final practice on Friday and the race on Sunday.
• O'Ward described the helplessness: "I saw Rossi spinning and it's really tough to stop these cars... I was just trying to get away but as soon as I pulled the car down... I lost it there."
• Grosjean, who spun trying to avoid the wreckage, said: "Most important thing is that everyone is okay... It's going to take some time to work on the car."
• The No. 20 crew will prepare a backup car for the remainder of the event.

What's next:

Rossi will be evaluated by INDYCAR medical staff ahead of Friday's final practice. If cleared, he will race from the front row in a backup machine, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to an already dramatic Indy 500.