Sébastien Ogier crashed out of the lead of Rally Finland on Saturday’s penultimate stage.
Ogier took the lead on Friday’s first stage and looked in complete control of the event, closing in on what would have been a third Rally Finland win of his World Rally Championship career.
However his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 left the road near the end of SS17 Västilä 2, rolling into the trees.
A statement from the FIA read: “During SS17 ‘Västilä’ at WRC Rally Finland, the crew of car #1, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, were involved in a high speed incident.
“Both crew members received immediate medical attention at the scene. The driver will be airlifted by helicopter to a local hospital, while the co-driver will be transported by ambulance for further examination.”
Toyota Gazoo Racing later confirmed the results of those examinations were positive.
“We are pleased to report that the results of the hospital examinations for both Séb and Julien have been positive. Due to the heavy impact during the accident, the crew will remain in hospital under observation overnight. The crews and the team would like to thank everybody from the medical teams to the fans for their massive support and wellwishes.”
In his own statement, Ogier said: “Unfortunately we went off the road in SS17 today. Julien and I have both gone to hospital for some checks and we will stay overnight as precaution after the heavy impact. But we both feel ok which is the most important.
“This is of course not what we had hoped for this weekend, especially after it was going so well.
“But the main thing is that we are in one piece, therefore a big thank you to the team for building such a strong car. Also I need to thank Julien for taking good care of me immediately after the impact and reassuring my family I am well.
“We will take some rest now and make sure we are back to full strength soon, and thank you for all the messages we received.
“Good luck to my team mates. Bring it home, guys!”
Ingrassia added: “After several medical examinations, I’m relieved to know I’m in good health. And my old friend Séb is doing well too… phew, what a relief!
“Thank you for all your concerned messages and thank you also for the enthusiasm you’ve shown us throughout this week.
“Séb and Vincent will be back together stronger than ever – I’m sure of it! The show must go on.”
