Following a spinal compression sustained by the driver Giandomenico Basso on landing from the Campo da Choupana jump whilst riding the PEC3 – Palheiro Ferreiro stage, the team did everything possible to keep him in the race, providing physiotherapy and medication throughout the day. Unfortunately, on the first lap at SS 6 Santana, after the tunnel in the parish of Ilha, there is a compression in a fast section which the driver was unable to cope with given his existing injury. Following these events, the driver underwent scans (X-ray and CT scan) at CUF Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a fracture of the D4 vertebra. Consequently, not only will the driver be unable to continue in the rally, but he will also be unable to take part in any kind of sport for the next three months.

This situation is causing some disappointment amongst the team and the fans, as the real goal – as was evident from the start of the rally – was to win the event.

On behalf of the team:

Duarte Abreu