Hyundai’s Ott Tänak crashed out during the second special stage of the morning. Tänak had only been driving on the Saarikas special stage for a couple of kilometres when the Estonian lost control of his car, and the Hyundai plunged violently into a tree.
Following the crash, the special stage was halted. A video released by Hyundai on YouTube shows the uncertainty among the other drivers regarding the situation. The WRC reporter Julian Porter, featured in the video, immediately understood the severity of the situation: “Don’t film,” he instructed the Hyundai cameraman.
However, the filming continued. The genuine concern for his teammate’s situation is evident on Esapekka Lappi’s face. The drivers received very little information about the crash.
“We know he stopped. We don’t know is he okay. They don’t show anything, they don’t have information,” Lappi says in the video, referring to Tänak and his co-driver Martin Järveoja.
Tänak ultimately escaped the severe crash without significant physical injuries, but Järveoja was airlifted to the hospital by a medical helicopter, where he spent the night under observation.
Now Järveoja seems to be in good condition. He recently posted some holiday photos on Instagram. Fortunately, the Estonian co-driver is well and appears to be fully enjoying his summer holiday.
“I’m beyond thankful for all the kind messages since our accident in Finland. I’m feeling good and enjoying the summer break to the fullest,” Järveoja writes on Instagram.
There is now time for a break, as the WRC will not resume until early September in Greece, after the summer break.
You can watch the video released by Hyundai below or via this link.
