Rally Leader Sébastien Ogier Crashes, Hospitalized in Finland

French driver Sébastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia, who were leading the Rally of Finland, were hospitalized Saturday after a violent crash during the 17th special stage. The Toyota GR Yaris left the road at high speed after a fast corner, rolling several times before coming to a stop, overturned and significantly damaged. The incident brought the stage to a halt with a red flag, allowing rescue services to intervene.

Organizers confirmed that both drivers were able to exit the vehicle on their own and remained conscious. However, they were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluations. "We have spoken with them. Sébastien is more shaken than anything else, neither of them has anything broken," said Juha Kankkunen, deputy team director, to French television Canal+.

Ogier, the reigning world champion, was on track to potentially secure his tenth world title. At the moment of the accident, he held a 20.9-second lead over his Toyota teammate Sami Pajari. The crash and subsequent withdrawal from the Finnish rally severely jeopardizes his championship aspirations.

Following the accident, the rally route was officially concluded. Sami Pajari went on to achieve the best time in the special stage, narrowly beating Elfyn Evans. Pajari has now regained the lead in the Rally of Finland standings, ahead of Oliver Solberg and Adrien Fourmaux. Elfyn Evans made a significant comeback to share third place with Fourmaux.

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We have spoken with them. Sébastien is more shaken than anything else, neither of them has anything broken.