Josef Newgarden has been cleared by doctors to participate in free practice for the Indianapolis GP. However, the two-time IndyCar champion needs to undergo a new evaluation before qualifying
Josef Newgarden has been cleared to participate in Friday's free practice session for the Indianapolis GP 2. In a statement, the IndyCar Series confirmed that the two-time champion underwent evaluation on Thursday after collapsing and hitting his head last Sunday.
Newgarden will undergo further medical evaluation after the free practice session to determine if he can compete in qualifying and the race on Saturday.
Josef was involved in an accident on lap 235 of the Iowa 2 GP last Sunday while leading the race. The driver was released by doctors, but later collapsed and hit his head, causing a small bruise on his back. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he remained overnight for observation and was released on Sunday.
With Indy's decision to allow Newgarden to participate in the Indianapolis GP 2 only after a medical evaluation, Penske was ready and left American driver Santino Ferrucci on standby to take over the #2 car in case of a medical veto.
Free practice for the GP of Indianapolis 2 is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. (GMT-3) on Friday (29). Qualifying will begin at 2:00 pm.