Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville has escaped injury a dramatic rollover in the pre-event shakedown ahead of this weekend’s Rally Deutschland.
Despite rolling six times, the accident occurred in a vineyard section of the 4.60km Konz stage and the soft grape vines absorbed much of the impact.
“I touch a barrier on the inside and it put us out of line and put the rear onto the grass and we started to roll,” said Neuville.
“We got into the ditch and went over six times. We are OK”
Team officials are confident the damage is limited to replacing the panels, bumpers and windscreen and will be good to go for the start of competition tomorrow.
“The structure, including the roll cage, is not damaged,” said Team Director Michel Nandan.
“We will replace the panels and the car will start tomorrow.”
It is not expected to take part in the pre-event ceremonial start in Trier, but the drivers will still walk-over the start line.
Jari-Matti Latvala was fastest as his Volkswagen team claimed a 1-2-3. The Finn went quickest on his fourth and final run in his Polo R; 0.5sec clear of championship leader Sébastien Ogier with Andreas Mikkelsen a further 0.6sec back.
VIDEO: Hyndai wrap from shakedown including crash
Times: Shakedown
| 1 | Jari-Matti Latvala | 2min 20.8sec |
| 2 | Sébastien Ogier | + 0.5sec |
| 3 | Andreas Mikkelsen | + 1.1sec |
| 4 | Kris Meeke | + 1.7sec |
| 5 | Dani Sordo | + 2.2sec |
| 6 | Mikko Hirvonen | + 2.9sec |
| 7= | Robert Kubica | + 3.1sec |
| 7= | Thierry Neuville | + 3.1sec |
| 9 | Mads Østberg | + 3.3sec |
| 10 | Elfyn Evans | + 4.4sec |
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