INDIANAPOLIS — IndyCar driver Alexander Rossi said on Friday he has been cleared to race in the Indianapolis 500. Rossi was hospitalized on Monday and underwent procedures on his right ankle and a finger.

Rossi is set to drive the No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet in Sunday's race, though his availability had not been formally confirmed ahead of Friday's session. He planned to attempt to drive during the two-hour Carb Day practice on Friday to demonstrate his fitness behind the wheel.

Team owner Ed Carpenter said the organization had prepared for the possibility that Rossi might not be able to compete. "We do have some contingencies," Carpenter said. Ed Carpenter Racing has options available to replace Rossi if he is unable to drive.

Speaking before the practice session, Carpenter indicated that a determination on Rossi's status was expected imminently. "We should be finding out probably while I'm sitting here if he's at least good to go for tomorrow," Carpenter said.

Carpenter will compete in his 24th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, fielding his own entry alongside the No. 20 car designated for Rossi.

Rossi had been waiting to be cleared to drive the No. 20 car after being hospitalized earlier in the week. His participation in Carb Day practice was seen as the key step toward confirming his place on the starting grid for Sunday's race. Ed Carpenter Racing indicated it was monitoring Rossi's condition and would act on its contingency plans if he was unable to complete the practice session.