Sébastien Ogier withdraws from Rally Poland, Kalle Rovanperä replaces him

Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais were happy to return to the Polish stages on which they each experienced different adventures. Their 5th appearance this year, however, ended during the first day of reconnaissance.

While they were on the section of SS10/14 (Goldap), they collided with a private vehicle. The shock which occurred at the front right of the Toyota Yaris of the Tricolores was violent. The occupants of the car and the TGR crew were taken to hospital for examinations.

The first information that filtered through was reassuring, but it ultimately appears that if Vincent Landais was able to leave the hospital, the Gapençais must remain under medical observation overnight. He will not be able to start the event on Thursday evening at the start of SS1.

While the Frenchman was the only one at Toyota to manage to block Hyundai during the last races, it was a hard blow for the TGR. This withdrawal having occurred two days before the launch of the rally, the team gave itself time to think. “ The safety and well-being of everyone involved remains the team's top priority, Toyota said. At the same time, the team is studying replacement possibilities and will provide an update on the situation in due course. »

With the withdrawal of Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais, Toyota has chosen to urgently call Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen to occupy the third Yaris this weekend at the Polish Rally. A replacement authorized by the race stewards this Tuesday evening. The reigning double world champion will have the whole day on Wednesday to carry out his reconnaissance.

We are pleased to confirm that @KalleRovanpera and @JonneHalttunen will step in for their team-mates Seb and Vincent and participate in Rally Poland: rising to the challenge and showing the great spirit in our team 👊#ToyotaGAZOORacing #WRC #RallyPoland pic.twitter.com/DoCoGZAbsC

- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT (@TGR_WRC) June 25, 2024

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