World champion Ogier hospitalized after major crash at Finland Rally

Reigning world rally champion Sebastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia were transported by helicopter to a hospital for precautionary medical examinations following a severe crash during the WRC Finland Rally. The incident occurred on a high-speed section of the course, resulting in multiple rollovers of their Toyota car while Ogier was leading the race.

Toyota team officials reported that both Ogier and Ingrassia were able to exit the vehicle without assistance and are generally in good spirits. "We have contacted them and spoken with them, Seb was more shocked than anything else, nothing is broken," stated Juha Kankkunen, deputy head of the Toyota team, to Rally.tv. He added that the hospital visit was a standard precaution after such a significant accident, though the cause of the crash remains undetermined.

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We have contacted them and spoken with them, Seb was more shocked than anything else, nothing is broken

Saturday proved challenging for the Toyota team, as championship leader Elfyn Evans also experienced a high-speed crash and rollover earlier in the day. Despite the incident, Evans, with the help of spectators, managed to return to the track and complete the stage.

Ogier's crash propelled local driver Sami Pajari into the lead of the Finnish Rally heading into the final day of competition. Pajari holds a 46.4-second advantage over his teammate Oliver Solberg, with Evans in third place, one minute and 36.3 seconds behind the leader. The final day features two stages, with the last one offering bonus points as a "Power Stage."

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They are in the helicopter on the way to the hospital for examination, which is important after such an accident.