The Rally Finland is over for Ott Tänak after a heavy crash: Co-driver Martin Järveoja has to go to hospital for observation
A violent crash involving Hyundai driver Ott Tänak was the negative highlight of Friday morning at the Rally Finland, the ninth round of the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC). His co-driver Martin Järveoja had to be taken to hospital
Tänak crashed a good two kilometers after the start of the third special stage “Saarikas 1”. The Estonian left the road in a long left-hand bend. His Hyundai i20 N Rally1 overturned in the ditch and hit a tree with its underbody.
According to Hyundai, Tänak and Järveoja were able to free themselves from the car and subsequently received medical treatment. Järveoja was then flown by rescue helicopter to a hospital, where he will remain overnight for observation. He and Tänak are doing well under the circumstances.
After Järveoja’s hospitalization, he and Tänak will no longer participate in the Rally Finland. For the Estonian, this is a bitter setback in the fight for the WRC title
Ott and Martin went off the road on SS3 of Rally Finland. Ott is ok, however Martin will be taken to hospital for further checks. pic.twitter.com/YgQhxxrOLM
– Valmar Viisel (@paddocknews) August 2, 2024
Tänak is currently eight points behind his team-mate Thierry Neuville in second place in the championship standings. Toyota driver Elfyn Evans is five points behind Tänak in third place.
After six of the 20 special stages at the Rally Finland, Evans is in second place, 4.7 seconds behind leader Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota). Neuville is fourth in the overall standings, 24.2 seconds behind Rovanperä.