Saniz in Big Crash in Testing

[rdjones]

This just in from BBC Sport Online:-

Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has been involved in a high-speed crash while training for the Rally of Catalunya.
The Spaniard, who is fourth in the World Rally Championship, lost control of his Ford Focus and crashed into some rocks.

Co-driver Luis Moya had to be taken to hospital after breaking a rib, while Sainz is now wearing a neck brace.

"We don't know exactly what happened, the team is working to find out," Sainz told Spanish newspaper El Mundo.

"Luis hurt himself more than me, his back hurts and he has damaged a rib, but fortunately nothing else.

"I've been given a precautionary brace because my neck hurt a bit, but luckily there's nothing the matter with me."

Also this from Autosport.com

Ford star Carlos Sainz and his co-driver Luis Moya have been injured in a testing crash in Spain during preparations for this weekend's WRC round, the Rally Catalunya.

The pair were carrying out a systems check on their Ford Focus before starting the rally recce tomorrow (Tuesday).

Sainz is suffering from whiplash, but Moya's injuries are more serious. He has a broken rib, a broken tooth and a cut tongue. Both are recovering in hospital.

The accident took place on roads around the Tarragona area where Leg 1 of the Rally Catalunya will take place. They crashed at what is throught to be a fifth gear left-hander. The car hit a rockface on the right of the road head-on.

Despite the huge force of the impact, the roll-cage appears to have stood up well and protected the pair from further injury. But the chances of Sainz and Moya competing on their home event this weekend will not be known until they have been checked out by specialists tomorrow morning.

The accident follows team-mate Colin McRae's huge shunt on the Tour de Corse just over a week ago, in which the Scot broke a finger

Look's like Ford may have to get some new drivers for this week, with McRae and Saniz on the injuer list

[SJ Spode]

Good to hear that Carlos and Luis have escaped with relatively minor injuries. It's going to be tough to see them being able to compete though; the Catalan stages won't do any favours for whiplash or broken ribs.

Ford are already lining up a co-driver to replace Luis, but a driver could be tougher. Maybe best to go with just two cars if Carlos is unable to drive 100%

[AndyF]

I don't think Carlos would miss his home event - anyone know who the reserve co-driver is?

[rdjones]

According to Crash.net, Moya place in the reece will be taken by Marc Marti.

[SJ Spode]

That's what autosport.com say too. Does anyone know anything about Mr Marti??

[SJ Spode]

From wrc.com

Ford Rallye Sport has confirmed that Luis Moya, Carlos Sainz's co-driver, will miss this weekend's Rally Catalunya following their crash during a confirmation test on Monday.

Moya cracked a rib and broke a tooth when Sainz hit a rockface while testing around the Tarragona region of north-east Spain. Taking Moya's place alongside Sainz is former co-driver to Jesus Puras, Marc Marti.

Moya is now recuperating at his home in Barcelona but intends to be at the shakedown on Thursday morning to offer the team any assistance. The team expects Moya to be fully fit for the next round of the WRC in Cyprus next month.

Best wishes Luis - can't wait to see you back

[touringlegend]

Good to see Sainz and Moya relatively unhurt in this crash.

[SJ Spode]

Ford have admitted that development steering parts were the most likely cause of Carlos Sainz's crash in testing prior to Rallye Catalunya.

"It's hard to pin down exactly what did happen but we think a part in the steering broke," Malcolm Wilson confirmed to Autosport magazine. "We were trying out new elements in the steering system at that test. We believe it was a problem with one of them."

Maybe they'll stick to using development parts in test sessions only now

[Alpina]

I doubt it. Development is white hot in WRC and i am sure the drivers will be screaming for new parts ASAP to get or stay competitive.