'It sucks': Indy 500 winner's prep marred by 'massive' crash

Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson’s preparation for this year’s race at the famed speedway has been rocked by a hard collision in practice.

The Andretti Global driver, who won the 2022 crown jewel event with Chip Ganassi Racing, crashed at turn four before sliding down the front straight.

Ericsson hit the inside wall before slowly sliding into the attenuator, coming to a halt at pit entry. In all, Ericsson suffered three big impacts before climbing from the car.

Ericsson was cleared of any injuries after the crash and said it was ultimately his mistake and apologised to the team.

“I’m feeling okay. Obviously it was quite a decent hit,” said the Swede.

“The safety in these cars is pretty impressive. I need to watch it back. Obviously, lost it in the middle (of the corner) there. I don’t know if I brushed the kerb a little bit. Yeah, I think I brushed the kerb a little bit and that’s probably enough to send it (into a spin).

“Then you’re a passenger. Very disappointing. I’m very sorry to my team. They’ve done a very good job with and they have a lot of work ahead of them now, so that’s probably the worst part of the whole thing.”

Ericsson wasn’t the only driver to crash. Hours earlier, Indianapolis 500 rookie Linus Lundqvist suffered a “vicious” crash at turn two.