Motorsport: Indycar driver Robert Wickens hospitalised after Pocono Raceway crash

Robert Wickens. Photo / Getty Images

A former American driver has come under fire for his comments regarding a crash that saw Indycar driver Robert Wickens taken to hospital.

The 29-year-old was attempting to pass Ryan Hunter-Reay's car at the start of the race at Pocono Raceway when the two touched. The contact caused both cars to hit the wall, with Wickens' taking the brunt of the damage.

The crash brought the race to a halt, with repairs to the catch fence resulting in a near two-hour stoppage. Only eight laps in the 800km race had been completed.

Andretti, the owner of Hunter-Reay's car, was slammed by many fans after giving interview where he elaborated on what Wickens did wrong.

"I think Robert should have backed out of it. He was only halfway on Ryan's side," Andretti said. "He was in Ryan's blind spot so Ryan didn't see him."

Some agreed with the assessment, but many felt Andretti not wishing Wickens well was "classless."

Positive thoughts going to Robert Wickens and that scary #IndyCar crash at Pocono. And shame on Michael Andretti for that classless, pathetic interview he gave following that terrible situation.

— Jeremy Pond (@JeremyPond) August 19, 2018

I never thought I would say the following words but: Michael Andretti could learn from Graham Rahal. "None of that matters right now."

— Katie (@YourRacingBelle) August 19, 2018

Indycar said Wickens was awake and alert as he was admitted to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was admitted to the hospital with orthopedic injuries and undergoing further evaluation.

Our love and thoughts are with you friend. Wishing you a speedy recovery. #WickyBobby pic.twitter.com/fM5B5Ec43Q

— Carlin (@CarlinRacing) August 19, 2018

Four other drivers involved, Hunter-Reay, James Hinchcliff, Pietro Fittipaldi and Takuma Sato, were checked and released from the track's infield medical center.

Thoughts with our boy @robertwickens right now 🙏

— Conor Daly (@ConorDaly22) August 19, 2018

In 2015, the same track was the site of a fatal crash which claimed the life of British driver Justin Wilson, when a piece of debris from a crashed car bounced off the track and hit his helmet.

When the race got back underway, American Alexander Rossi took the spoils, ahead of Australian Will Power and Kiwi Scott Dixon.