Driver James Hinchcliffe in hospital after fourth IndyCar crash

Canadian driver James Hinchcliffe has undergone surgery after smashing his car into a wall in what has become the fourth crash in a week during preparations for the Indianapolis 500.

The Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver suffered a thigh injury and was "alert" after the incident, which resulted in his vehicle briefly catching on fire.

According to BBC Sport, the crash occurred due to a mechanical failure and rule alterations have been made due to questions raised over the cars' aerodynamic designs.

Hinchcliffe's crash is the fourth one within a week following incidents involving Ed Carpenter, Josef Newgarden and Helio Castroneves.