HVM Racing's Simona de Silvestro, who suffered burns to her hands in a heavy crash during Friday's practice session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was not cleared to drive in the scheduled six-hour practice session on Friday after being evaluated by IndyCar medical director Dr. Michael Olinger. She will be re-evaluated on Saturday, IndyCar officials said.
De Silvestro was treated at Methodist Hospital for second-degree burns on the back of her right hand and superficial burns on her left hand. She has since had the dressings changed.
"Thank you for all the well wishes. Trying to get rid of the Mickey Mouse gloves as soon as possible," the 22-year-old Swiss driver posted on her Twitter account.
Indy 500 rules allow the use of a substitute driver in qualifying, but any car changing driver between qualifying and the race must move to the back of the field for the start.