Rally legend injured in crash in Poland. We know what happens next
Sebastien Ogier will not start in the 80th Rally Poland. The place of the Frenchman injured in a crash near Gołdap will be taken by the current world champion, Kalle Rovanpera.
Rally legend Sebastien Ogier will not start in the 80th Rally Poland. This is the aftermath of an accident that occurred near Gołdap. The Frenchman from the Toyota team will be replaced by current world champion Kalle Rovanper.
The world champion will replace Sebastien Ogier in Rally Poland
On Tuesday, the world of motorsport was shaken by the news of the accident of eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier. The Frenchman was driving a civilian car as part of familiarization with the route of a special stage near Gołdap when it collided with another vehicle carrying two women. One of them, as well as the rally legend, was transported by helicopters of the Polish Air Rescue Service. The other woman, as well as Ogier’s co-driver Vincent Landais, were taken to hospital for tests by ambulance.
The Toyota driver was detained in hospital for a day. As a result, his team began the replacement procedure on Tuesday afternoon. It is not that easy, because the FIA must approve the change. However, the world federation agreed to the team’s request. Kalle Rovanpera will start in the Rally Poland instead of Ogier. He is the current world champion, who was not supposed to start in Poland. However, the Frenchman’s accident changed his plans. His co-driver Jonne Halttunen also appeared in Warmia and Mazury with the Finn.
Rovanpera has not had the opportunity to start in the Rally Poland yet. The FIA gave him special permission to familiarize himself with the route beyond the scheduled date.
The best rally drivers in the world will start in Poland
Rally Poland returns as a round of the World Rally Championship eliminations after a break of several years. After the 2017 competition, the FIA decided not to organize a round in the country due to problems with fans and safety. The rally has always been held as a part of the European Rally Championship and Polish Rally Championship series. Last year’s edition was won by Latvian Martins Sesks.
