Sebastien Bourdais eyes 2017 IndyCar return after leaving hospital
Sebastien Bourdais has targeted returning to IndyCar before the end of 2017 after being discharged from hospital following his violent Indianapolis 500 qualifying crash
The Frenchman sustained multiple pelvic fractures and a fractured right hip when he lost control at Turn 2 during a qualifying run last Saturday.
Team boss Dale Coyne initially ruled the 38-year-old, who has been transferred from the IU Health Methodist Hospital to a local rehabilitation facility, out of a race return this season.
However, IndyCar's medical consultant Dr Kevin Scheid said Bourdais was "progressing amazingly fast" and upon leaving hospital Bourdais targeted getting back behind the wheel this year.
"I'm obviously really happy to be up on my feet and feeling pretty good about being able to walk on crutches," Bourdais said.
"I'm really thankful to all the people at IU Health Methodist and the Holmatro safety team, everybody at IndyCar and my team, Dale Coyne Racing, for helping me achieve that so early after the crash.
"It's going to be a bit of a long road ahead. I still have six weeks before I can put weight on my right leg and put my foot on the ground, but after that it should be pretty smooth sailing.
"I'm really looking forward to the day I can get back in the car, and hopefully that will be before the end of the season."
IndyCar's final round at Sonoma will take place on September 17.
Scheid explained that Bourdais' rehabilitation could start immediately even though the injuries would take longer to heal.
"Sebastien is progressing amazingly fast for having pelvis and hip fractures, and considering the severity of the crash," said Scheid.
"He is walking with crutches, in good spirits and feeling good.
"We expect the fractures to heal in around eight weeks and he should be able to start putting weight on the right leg then.
"Until that time, he can work on rehabilitating his upper body, core strength and range of motion in the hip."
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