Typhoon‑style winds on Finland’s Muuotoja road turned a leading‑figure rally into a near‑fatal accident when Toyota team‑members Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia left their car, sending it into a cluster of trees.
Crash on the Finnish finish
The duo were in the lead at the end of Saturday’s stages when a sudden loss of traction at a corner moving through approximately 140 km/h forced the Toyota out of control. The prototype Rally1 machine collided with several pine trees, the impact at that speed described by co‑driver Ingrassia as “the impact was heavy.”
Co‑driver’s quick action
Ingrassia observed that Ogier passed out on the grass as soon as the crash occurred. He immediately pressed the car’s emergency “OK” button to cancel the stage, then activated the beacon to summon medical help. While on the verge of collapse, Ogier regained consciousness after three or four spectators helped keep his head steady, and emergency crews reached the scene minutes later.
Safety systems save lives
Both drivers were transported to a nearby hospital as a precaution. Toyota’s latest safety design—rigid roll‑cage, energy‑absorbing crash structures, and fire‑suppression systems—are widely credited with preventing serious injury. The team has not indicated that a technical fault or driver error caused the incident, and the car’s onboard footage “looks so strange” because a rut at the corner launched it to the left instead of the right.
Co‑driver returns after five‑year hiatus
Ingrassia, who had not competed in the World Rally Championship for five years, confirmed that the corner’s undulation produced a sudden leftward launch, creating a critical complication. The Toyota team asked fans to stay away from the accident site, acknowledging the seriousness of even a “comparatively small” exit.
Recovery and season outlook
Toyota’s communications confirmed that both Ogier and Ingrassia will receive time to recuperate and remain part of the squad for the remaining events. Chief mechanic Vincent Landais is slated to join Ogier for upcoming rallies; the team maintains that the lack of mechanical or driver fault offers reassurance that future stages should proceed safely.
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