IndyCar driver Robert Wickens clarifies severity of injuries

Wickens suffered extensive injuries in a severe crash at Pocono in August that curtailed what had been an impressive maiden IndyCar season in which he came close to victory on several occasions.

His Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team released a statement that confirmed the extent of his injuries during the early stages of his recovery, which took place in Indianapolis.

He was later transferred to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, which is described as "specialty rehab for people with spinal cord injury and brain injury".

Wickens has posted videos of leg movements in recent months, but has said he is still in the very early stages of rehabilitation.

Wickens' latest video on social media shows him transferring from a bed to a wheelchair, with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team owner Sam Schmidt watching on.

While Wickens describes himself as "a paraplegic today," in the social media post, a SPM spokesperson told Autosport that "as Robert has mentioned before, there is not a definitive prognosis from his spinal injury".

The spokesperson added: "His video simply shows where he is in his recovery process as of today".

In the video's caption, Wickens said: "Did my first slide transfer as a paraplegic today.

"My upper body is getting stronger and stronger and hopefully I'll be able to do it unassisted soon.

"I've only been posting videos of the small movement in my legs, but the reality is I am far away from walking on my own.

"Some people are a bit confused with the severity of my injury, so I wanted let you know the reality of it.

"I've never worked harder for anything in my life, and I am giving it all I've got to spark those nerves in my legs."