IndyCar - Simona de Silvestro Involved in Crash at Indianapolis Motor Speedway - VIDEO ENHANCED

Indianapolis, May 19, 2011: Shortly after taking to the track for Indy 500 practice on Thursday afternoon, Simona de Silvestro was involved in a tremendous crash, which injured her hands and destroyed her primary #78 Nuclear Clean Air Energy car.

After being taken to the track's medical center, the official update came from Dr. Michael Olinger, INDYCAR Medical Director:

"Simona de Silvestro is awake and alert, and being transported by ground to Methodist Hospital for further evaluation of second-degree burns to her right hand and superficial burns to her left hand."

De Silvestro was released from Methodist Hospital at approximately 5 p.m. on Thursday afternoon and another evaluation will take place on Friday morning. In the meantime, the team is busy preparing the back-up car in preparation for her return.

A press conference will take place on Friday morning at 11:15 a.m. in the Media Center at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to include press availability and additional updates on de Silvestro's condition.