Finnish co-driver Topi Luhtinen remains hospitalized after a heavy crash on Friday at Rally Chile. Luhtinen, who was navigating for Japanese driver Yuki Yamamoto, suffered a back injury in the incident. Yamamoto, part of Toyota's WRC Challenge Program, was discharged from hospital on the same day.
The crash occurred on Friday's final special stage. Yamamoto lost control after jumping too far over a crest, landing on the left-hand bank and being thrown hard into the right-hand bank. The car did not roll but spun at very high speed, causing significant damage. Luhtinen complained of back pain, forcing them to stop. The stage was subsequently stopped.
Speaking to RallyJournal.com, Yamamoto confirmed his teammate's condition. "I'm completely fine, but Topi is still in hospital. He was hurt a little more than I was," he said. Yamamoto also recalled that the location was one of the most difficult on Friday. "It was one of the most difficult places on Friday. It was a really narrow, high-speed place," he added. "The same thing happened to us as to (Alejandro) Cachon. I jumped a little too far over a crest and we landed on the bank on the left-hand side of the road, which threw us hard into the bank on the right."
Besides Luhtinen, several other crew members remain in hospital. Spanish WRC2 driver Alejandro Cachon and his co-driver Borja Rozada are still receiving treatment. Argentine co-driver Marcelo Brizio is also hospitalized as a precaution. Turkish driver Kerem Kazaz and French co-driver Corentin Silvestre will be transported to their home countries for further treatment. In total, crews from five different cars were taken to hospital on Friday for precautionary checks.
The incident is a significant blow for Toyota, which has lost one of its young drivers amid fierce competition. Yamamoto was originally scheduled to be partnered by regular co-driver James Fulton, but Fulton was assigned to call the notes for Toyota WRC driver Takamoto Katsuta in Chile. This forced Luhtinen to step in, and now he faces a serious injury.
Nevertheless, the rally continues. Three more special stages will be contested on Saturday. Currently, another Toyota driver, Oliver Solberg, leads the rally. However, the main focus remains on the condition of the injured crew members, especially Luhtinen, who is still receiving intensive care. Wishing a speedy recovery to all involved.
Baca Juga
Sami Pajari mengaku kehilangan feeling di Reli Chile 2026, tertinggal 32,4 detik dari posisi ketiga. Pembalap Toyota itu berjuang dengan traksi dan grip di lintasan licin.
Esapekka Lappi memuji co-driver Enni Malkonen yang selalu ceria meski menghadapi kesulitan di Reli Chile. Simak kisahnya.
Oliver Solberg memenangi SS9 Rally Chile dan memperlebar jarak menjadi 10,1 detik. Sami Pajari tertinggal 50,5 detik di posisi kelima. Simak analisis lengkapnya.
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