Robert Seiwert
Head of Motorsport
Robert was already writing for sports media before his time at MSM. He has been reporting on DTM, Daytona, Le Mans and other events directly from the racetrack since 2011.MORE
While Landais was able to be released from hospital after the collision on Tuesday during a reconnaissance drive, Ogier remained in hospital overnight under medical observation. As a result, the eight-time WRC world champion will miss his planned start at the Rally Poland, which would have been his fifth participation in the 2024 season. Exact details about his health condition are not known.
Sebastien Ogier not driving too fast in accident
The Frenchman and husband of TV presenter Andrea Kaiser only wants to compete in selected events this year and has been successful so far: Ogier and Landais won the rallies in Croatia and Portugal in the Toyota Yaris and achieved second places in Monte Carlo and Sardinia. The 40-year-old is in fourth place in the World Championship table despite missing two WRC races.
According to their employer Toyota, based on the GPS data read out, Ogier and Landais were not driving too fast before the collision with a private car. During a recce, rally drivers usually drive in road cars, in the case of Ogier and Landais, a Toyota Yaris.
Pictures of the accident site show significant damage to the left front fender of the Japanese compact car. The other car involved in the accident – a Ford station wagon – also suffered damage to the front. The people are 69 and 67 years old. The circumstances of the accident are still unknown. The incident occurred during the reconnaissance drive on the Goldap Special Stage, where Stages 10 and 14 of the rally, which has returned to the WRC racing calendar, are held.
World champion Kalle Rovanperä replaces Ogier at Rally Poland
Toyota has asked the FIA for a driver change for the third WRC Yaris and has now received the green light. The two-time rally world champion Kalle Rovanperä will step in for Ogier at the Poland Rally.
Like Ogier, the reigning champion from Finland is skipping the entire season and will only occasionally take part in rallies. Poland will be the fourth start for Rovanperä, who previously won the Safari Rally in Kenya. The 23-year-old wants to practice in other motorsport disciplines and has already made a guest start in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux.
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