Hyundai’s i20 N Rally1 car veered off the road, started rolling, and crashed bottom-first into a birch tree. The accident occurred on Friday morning during the second special stage in Saarikas, just two kilometres from the start of the stage.
After the crash, the special stage was halted. Tänak did not sustain any major injuries in the incident, but co-driver Martin Järveoja was airlifted to the hospital by helicopter.
“Both Tänak and Järveoja were quickly attended to by the medical team, with Järveoja taken to hospital
by helicopter for further examination. While both driver and co-driver are well, Järveoja will need to
remain in hospital overnight for observation as a precaution,”
“As a result, the #8 crew will not return for the remainder of the Rally Finland weekend.” Hyundai’s WRC team announced on Friday afternoon.
Tänak and Järveoja were in sixth place before their withdrawal. The Estonian duo has managed to win the Rally Finland three times in their career. They also experienced a severe crash during the Estonia ERC Rally in early July.
The Rally Finland continues on Friday afternoon with five more special stages.
