De Ferran cleared for Indy return

The Brazilian suffered a concussion and fractures to his neck and lower back in the crash with Michael Andretti at Phoenix International Raceway in March, and was forced to sit out the last round of the championship in Motegi, Japan.

"It will be the first time I get back in a car since Phoenix and I'm quite anxious to get going," said de Ferran. "Although it wasn't the type of time off I would have preferred, it was nice to have a little break and now it's time to go back to work.

"From a physical standpoint, I'm nearly at the same level of fitness I was prior to the start of the season."

De Ferran has been cleared to compete by the IRL's medical staff, and will be able to participate in the practice session for the Indy 500, which begins on Sunday and runs for three weeks until the prestigious race.

Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon, who broke his wrist in a crash with Tony Kanaan at the Motegi race, has also been cleared to drive. Andretti Green Racing expects Kanaan to be ready to return early next week.