Thierry Neuville paid tribute to the World Rally Championship’s safety protocols that “saved” himself and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe from injury after a violent crash at the Central European Rally.
The reigning world champion crew were transferred to hospital for precautionary checks after a nasty crash into a bridge that was protected by a hay bale. The incident resulted in organisers cancelling stage 15 on Sunday morning.
Neuville and Wydaeghe were reported as OK and were attended to by doctors at the scene of the accident. Neuville was taken to hospital by road, while Wydaeghe took an emergency helicopter to undergo checks. The Hyundai pair were cleared of any injuries and returned to the service park in the afternoon.
“I’m feeling okay, honestly, a bit sore at the moment. Myself and Martijn had quite a big hit but we have been checked by the ambulance and the people at the hospital. They have done a very good job and we are both fine,” said Neuville, who had been sitting in seventh prior to the crash.
“Everything was normal. I just made a mistake between the bridge and the concrete, there was a small gap. We wanted to go fast and I saw that gap and I went there and I realised it wasn’t there, I turned and we took the bridge in the middle of the car.
“My mistake. I should have been able to avoid that but it is often in rallying that the smallest mistake can have the biggest consequences. It was a proper shunt but luckily the cars and the safety equipment saved us from any injuries.”
Rally organisers managed to put new safety measures in place to allow the stage to be used again, prior to the event-ending Power Stage. Neuville’s team-mate Ott Tanak had a moment at the same corner but managed to take evasive action.
Reflecting on the incident, Neuville admitted they were fortunate a hay bale had been placed in front of the bridge end and subsequently praised the work carried out to ensure safety at WRC events remains paramount.
“That is part of the job we have been doing for years now with the FIA, that is part of the job Julien Ingrassia [Sebastien Ogier’s former co-driver] has been involved in a lot over the last year and when he was competing,” Neuville added.
“All co-drivers are constantly giving feedback as well after the rallies. Today it could have saved lives.”
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– The Autosport.com Team
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