Dario Franchitti: Indycar champion has successful ankle surgery

Four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti has had ankle surgery more than two weeks after his high speed crash at the Houston Grand Prix.

The Scot, 40, broke two vertebrae in his spine, two ribs and an ankle after a final-lap collision with Takuma Sato.

"Earlier today Franchitti underwent successful surgery to repair the talus bone in his right ankle," his Chip Ganassi team said.

"After a surgery that lasted over three hours, he is resting comfortably."

An IndyCar official and 13 spectators were also hurt by flying debris from the three-vehicle smash that also involved Venezuelan EJ Viso's car. Both Viso and Sato were able to walk away.

Canadian Alex Tagliani will replace Franchitti for Saturday's IndyCar season finale, the MAVTV 500 in Fontana, California.