Death of a spectator at Monte-Carlo

he 2017 season of WRC Couldn't have gotten off to a worse start. While the FIA ​​tried to do everything possible to ensure the safety of spectators by strengthening measures during the implementation of the new regulations improving the performance of the WRC, a spectator died this Thursday evening at the Rally Montecarlo.

L’ES1 a été annulée suite à la sortie de route d’Hayden Paddon, piégé par les conditions précaires sur sa Hyundai i20 WRC. Malgré l’intervention des secours, la victime est décédée des suites de ses blessures.

“The spectator was evacuated by helicopter from the special to the Nice hospital (Alpes-Maritimes). Despite all the efforts of doctors, the spectator died. An investigation has been opened into the incident in order to assist the authorities as much as possible. Everyone associated with the ordeal expresses their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim”, declared the Automobile Club of Monaco in its press release.

“This was not how we wanted to start the season, commented Hayden Paddon. We were caught by a patch of black ice at the end of the special. The car slid and we were passengers. The car wasn't too damaged but I feel sorry for the team who had worked so hard. I am terribly saddened by the accident and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the person involved. »

“Hyundai Motorsport is saddened to learn of the tragic death of a spectator during the first special stage of the Monte-Carlo Rally, also communicated the Korean manufacturer. The incident occurred at the same time that the No. 20 Hyundai i4 Coupe WRC of Hayden Paddon and John Kennard hit the rock after the car slid on a patch of ice at the entrance to a left turn. »

“The team and its staff provide all their support to the organizers of the event and the authorities in order to have all the details. Hyundai Motorsport expresses its sincere condolences to the family, friends and those affected. »

The investigation will notably have to lift the veil on suspicions regarding non-respect of the area reserved for spectators. Hyundai has decided not to restart Hayden Paddon in Rally 2 out of respect for the victim's loved ones.