Giaffone fractures femur, pelvis, but on the mend.

Mo Nunn Racing's Felipe Giaffone fractured his right femur and pelvis in Sunday's Kansas Indy 300 after colliding with Dan Wheldon but the Brazilian driver is said to be on the mend after a successful three-hour operation on Monday in Indianapolis.

Although the injuries effectively rule the 2001 Rookie of the Year out of the cockpit for the remainder of the season, director of medical service for the IRL, Dr Henry bock and the operating orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Scheid, were both pleased with Giaffone's progress so far.

"The surgery went extremely well," said Bock of Monday's three-hour operation a Indianapolis' Methodist Hospital. "Once we see how the rest of the week goes, as well as the ensuing rehabilitation period, then we can make some judgment as to how long until Felipe returns to the race car."

Giaffone is expected to stay in hospital until the end of the week, by which time doctors should be able to give him and his team some kind of indication as to the recovery time. However, like AJ Foyt Racing's Airton Dare, Giaffone will definitely miss the ext couple of IRL IndyCar Series races.

Dan Wheldon, who appeared to pinch Giaffone down the track as the two entered turn one at the 1.5-mile Kansas Speedway while battling for sixth position on lap 56 of Sunday's 200-lap Kansas Indy 300, was uninjured.

Following the incident, Giaffone was admitted to Kansas University medical centre in Kansas City, where he remained under observation on Sunday night. He was transferred to Methodist Hospital Monday morning.