Minassian hospitalised after Indy shunt.
Things did not go entirely to plan for defending Indy 500 champions Chip Ganassi Racing at last weekend's rookie orientation tests, when Nicolas Minassian crashed heavily.
The Frenchman was present at the Brickyard with team-mate Bruno Junqueira as both attempted to make the grade for next month's race. While Junqueira went on to top the times all weekend, Minassian ended his participation in the local hospital after crashing on the front straight after a mechanical failure.
Things did not go entirely to plan for defending Indy 500 champions Chip Ganassi Racing at last weekend's rookie orientation tests, when Nicolas Minassian crashed heavily.
The Frenchman was present at the Brickyard with team-mate Bruno Junqueira as both attempted to make the grade for next month's race. While Junqueira went on to top the times all weekend, Minassian ended his participation in the local hospital after crashing on the front straight after a mechanical failure.
The F3000 championship runner-up - and CART debutant - was largely unhurt in the incident, which is thought to have been caused by an engine or gearbox problem, but was taken to hospital for observation.
"Nicolas is at Methodist Hospital," confirmed IMS vice-president of public relations Fred Nation, "He was taken to Methodist Hospital complaining of sore neck and a sore right wrist, but is awake and alert."
Despite his accident, Minassian completed all phases of the orientation test, and will be allowed to participate in qualifying for the 500 early next month. He returned to the circuit after a brief stay in hospital, and his injuries are not thought likely to keep him out of action for long. Indeed a return to action is likely at the next CART round in Texas on 29 April.
