"Before me and Peter were able to climb out of our damaged car the organisers were with us and a rescue helicopter came very quickly. Luckily both Peter and I survived this horrific accident with no significant injuries.
"In spite of the high speed we did not damage the concrete column completely and we have it available as evidence. Motorsport Kopecky Team immediately started to deal with this situation, because naturally this is no common accident on a special stage.
"Intercontinental Rally Challenge management has provided us on-board video from the car that was driven by Nicolas Vouilloz. He was the only driver, who started ahead of us in the sixth stage. He passed the incriminated spot with no difficulties.
"I very much appreciate the approach of the Kronos Racing team chief Marc van Dalen [Vouilloz's boss], who following the study of the on-board video and a talk with his team's driver issued a press release. In it he stated that Nicolas Vouilloz passed through the section in a standard way and in no way could he have caused the appearance of a concrete column in the middle of the track. Before and after the driver passed this section the track was absolutely passable.
"The accident at this time is under investigation and of course we do not want to make any hasty conclusion. We left for Belgium full of enthusiasm looking forward to tarmac racing for the first time on the IRC circuit and in the end we come home with no points and a wrecked car, but luckily we have survived with no great harm to our health."
![Jan Kopecky / Petr Starý - Peugeot 207 S2000. Portugal 2008. IRC. [Pic credit: Motorsport Kopecky]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/438610.jpg)
