Eight-time world rally champion Sebastien Ogier and his co-driver Vincent Landais were injured in a car crash in Wlosty, Poland. The accident occurred on Tuesday, June 25, while they were preparing for the upcoming race. According to a statement from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team on X (formerly Twitter), Ogier, 40, stayed overnight in the hospital. Landais, 32, has since been discharged.
By John Adams
Details of the Accident
Ogier and Landais were driving a Toyota when they collided with a Ford, which had a 69-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman inside. The accident happened on a one-lane dirt road that was not closed to traffic, according to local police spokeswoman Marta Domańska. The drivers were airlifted, while the passengers were transported by ambulances. Ogier was taken to a hospital in Olsztyn, the other driver to Slupsk, and the remaining passengers to Gizycko.
Preparing for the Rally
Ogier and Landais were gearing up for this week’s World Rally Championship event in Poland. Due to the crash, they have been withdrawn from the rally. In a statement on X, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team said, “All involved have undergone scans which showed no serious injuries.” While Landais was discharged, Ogier remains under medical observation and will not participate in the event.
Replacement Drivers for the Rally
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Team announced that drivers Kalle Rovanpera and Jonne Halttunen will replace Ogier and Landais. The rally begins on Thursday, June 27, and will last four days in rural northeastern Poland, near the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave. This is the seventh round of the season and the first time in seven years that Poland is hosting.
Ogier’s Track Record
Sebastien Ogier and Vincent Landais were set to compete in their fifth race this season for Toyota. Before the crash, the drivers secured wins in Croatia in April and Portugal in May. They also placed second in Monte Carlo and Sardinia, Italy, in January and May, respectively. The accident interrupts their successful season, but the health and safety of the drivers are the top priority.
The accident involving Sebastien Ogier and Vincent Landais highlights the risks associated with rally racing. Despite this setback, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team remains determined and professional. The season continues, and fans eagerly await the upcoming races.
Based on content from www.people.com