Simona de Silvestro has become the first driver to crash during preparations for this year's Indianapolis 500, as the HVM racer had a dramatic accident early in today's practice session.
De Silvestro's car appeared to suffer a mechanical failure in Turn 3, hitting the wall and twice becoming airborne before landing upside down and on fire. She was able to extricate herself from the wreckage without assistance and, after being checked at the infield medical center, the Swiss driver was transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis to be treated for second-degree burns on her right hand and superficial burns on her left hand.
The incident caused damage to the track's debris fence, so has resulted in a long halt to practice while repairs are carried out. Today looks set to be only the second day of the week not interrupted by poor weather, with practice getting under way in cold but good conditions after two consecutive rained-off days.