'I don't think a lot of people can say they have survived a head-on crash at 227' - Bourdais

Sebastien Bourdais only had one thought as his car was sliding through Turn 2 on May 20.

"I thought I was going to save it the whole way right until I hit wall," he declared to RACER on Sunday morning after meeting with the media at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

As we know, Bourdais wasn't able to save it and pounded the wall before flipping over in one of the most violent crashes in IMS history.

"I felt the first wiggle in Turn 1, it did it again in the entry to Turn 2 and I caught it and I still felt like there was something to salvage because I was still flat out and that tells you I was pretty committed," said the four-time Champ Car champion who suffered fractures of his pelvis and hip.

"I remember almost everything except for a couple of seconds when the sustained Gs put my lights out. I knew I'd broken something and I was in a lot of pain. So I knew I was hurt but I also knew I was still alive."

The fact that Bourdais survived a nearly head-on impact at 227 mph is a testament to the SAFER wall, HANS Device and safety of the Dallara DW-12.

"The car really did a good job head-on and I don't have any injuries to my feet or legs," he continued. "But if we could avoid pelvis and hip fractures like I got that would be great.

"But I don't think there are a lot of people who say they have survived a head-on crash at 227 mph. It's a pretty good testament."

And the fact he was back at the track a week after his massive accident is testament to the 38-year-old Frenchman's tenacity.

"Dale (Coyne, car owner) asked me if I wanted to be here on Race Day and for me it's important I stay in good spirits and see the crew," said the winner of the Verizon IndyCar season opener at St. Petersburg. "Physically I'm doing well and have no intention of letting this incident stop my career. And that's why it's even more important to come back before the season is over because it's going to be a long off-season with lots of questions and uncertainty."

Bourdais can't put any weight on his right leg for another five weeks but he's targeting the 2017 season finale at Sonoma for his comeback.

"We're building something special at Dale Coyne Racing and I want to be part of it, so that's why I'm coming back as soon as possible," he said. "If I didn't feel like there was something to fight for then I probably wouldn't be here right now or coming back to soon.

"But there's plenty to fight for and I'll be back."