The Dale Coyne Racing driver was on course to go fastest in qualifying when he speared into the wall at Turn 2 after attempting to correct a rear-end slide.

An official statement released by IndyCar confirmed he suffered multiple fractures to his pelvis and one to his right hip.

“Sebastien Bourdais was diagnosed with multiple fractures to his pelvis and a fracture to his right hip following an incident today while attempting to qualify for the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race,” said the statement.

“According to IndyCar Medical Director Dr. Geoffrey Billows, Bourdais will undergo surgery on his pelvis this evening at IU Health Methodist Hospital.

“Bourdais was on the third lap of his qualification run at Indianapolis Motor Speedway when his Dale Coyne Racing No. 18 GEICO Honda made hard contact with the Turn 2 SAFER Barrier.”

Team owner Dale Coyne said: “Sebastien is in good hands here at IU Methodist Hospital with the staff and now we just wait for him to recover.”