After missing time due to injury, both Arrow McLaren SP‘s Felix Rosenqvist and Ed Carpenter Racing‘s Rinus Veekay have been medically cleared to return to NTT IndyCar Series competition this weekend at the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio.
Rosenqvist suffered a serious crash at the first race of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix doubleheader when he climbed the tyre barriers in turn six at the Belle Isle street circuit, caused by what the team called “a non-recurrent mechanical fault”. Rosenqvist was okay after the crash and sustained no serious injury, but the Swede was taken to a hospital for further evaluation and was forced to miss the second race at Detroit and also the REV Group Grand Prix at Road America.
After this announcement on Tuesday, Rosenqvist is itching to be back on track.
“I’m thrilled to be back racing this weekend at Mid-Ohio,” Rosenqvist said.
“I have been so well taken care of after the accident and I would like to thank Dr. [Geoffrey] Billows and the entire IndyCar medical team for their professionalism in getting me back in racing shape. I am fully ready to get out there and push to the limit again, and I really can’t wait!”
(Photo Credit: Joe Skibinski / Courtesy of IndyCar)
When Rosenqvist’s clearance was announced, there was near-certainty that Veekay would be cleared as well. The very next day, that was confirmed. Veekay suffered a fractured clavicle after a biking accident in the lead up to the REV Group Grand Prix, and he was forced to miss the race after successful surgery was performed to repair the fracture on 15 June.
“First, I need to say thank you to the IndyCar medical staff, including Dr. Webber, who did my surgery. I am very excited to race this weekend at Mid-Ohio, especially after missing the last race at Road America. I am more motivated than ever!” Veekay said.
The 20-year-old Dutchman continued saying he feels comfortable in the car and will be back to his best for the physically demanding Mid-Ohio circuit.
“I have been working incredibly hard on my recovery, doing all kinds of treatment. I feel I will be right back at the level I was before. I sat in the car earlier this week to make sure I was comfortable and I was in the simulator yesterday, I have no pain and feel as good as ever.”
The dynamic duo will make their returns at the Honda Indy 200, which will take place on 04 July at 1200 EST / 1700 BST.