Hyundai Motorsport has withdrawn Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja from Secto Rally Finland, with Järveoja being kept in the hospital overnight as a precautionary measure.
Tänak had a crash early on the third special stage of the ninth round of the World Rally Championship. He lost control of his i20 N Rally1 and ended up in a ditch after going wide on a long left turn.
The car flipped over and collided with a tree before coming to a stop on its side in the ditch.
Medical personnel entered the stage to attend to the situation, although both Tänak and Järveoja were able to exit the car without assistance. While Tänak was deemed to be fine, Järveoja was airlifted to the hospital.
Hyundai Motorsport confirmed in a press release that both members of the crew are in good condition, but Järveoja will remain in the hospital overnight for observation.
The team stated, “During Rally Finland, the ninth round of the FIA World Rally Championship season, Hyundai Motorsport’s Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja were involved in a crash on Friday morning during SS3 Saarikas 1. The Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid slid off the road at a high speed in challenging and slippery conditions just over 2km into the stage. The car subsequently rolled and collided with a tree. After the accident, Tänak and Järveoja exited the car without assistance, and the stage was immediately halted to allow medical services to attend to the scene. Both Tänak and Järveoja received prompt medical attention, with Järveoja being transported to the hospital by helicopter for further examination. While both the driver and co-driver are in good health, Järveoja will remain in the hospital overnight as a precaution. Consequently, the #8 crew will not participate in the rest of the Rally Finland weekend.”
Tänak’s withdrawal for the entire weekend deals a significant blow to his chances of winning the world title, as he will not be able to earn Super Sunday points. He has been skilled at securing valuable points during challenging weekends, but he is now expected to lose ground to both Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans.
Before Rally Finland, Tänak was only eight points behind Neuville in the standings.
Photo – Martin Järveoja Instagram
