Eight-time World Rally Championship winner Sebastien Ogier has escaped serious injury after a head-on crash while preparing for Rally Poland.
The Frenchman and his co-driver Vincent Landais were conducting a reconnaissance run of one of the rally stages when they crashed into another car, which was occupied by two members of the public.
Ogier, Landais, and the two occupants of the other car were taken to hospital for checks.
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The Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team confirmed Ogier would miss the forthcoming event on June 27-30 and will be replaced by the youngest WRC winner Kalle Rovanpera.
Rovanpera, who won the 2022 title at just 22 years and one day old, will be joined by Jonne Halttunen in the co-driver’s seat.
“TGR-WRT crew Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais were taken to hospital for checks following a road traffic collision during reconnaissance for Rally Poland on Tuesday morning (local time),” a statement from the team read.
“Two occupants of the other vehicle involved, members of the public, were also taken to hospital for medical checks.
“The incident took place while Ogier and Landais were preparing for the Goldap special stage, which forms SS10 and SS14 of the rally this Saturday. Ogier and Landais were driving a road car as is the standard practice for rally reconnaissance.
“All recce cars have GPS tracking, which shows the speeds were within the limits set. All involved have undergone scans which showed no serious injuries.
“While Landais has been discharged, Ogier will remain under medical observation overnight and will not be able to participate in the event. The safety and wellbeing of all involved remains the utmost priority of the team.”
Rovanpera has been competing part-time in WRC this season.
Rally Poland will mark his fourth event of this year in a part-time program for the Finnish driver.
The rallying prodigy this year began circuit racing in Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux where he claimed finishes of fourth and fifth at Zandvoort.
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