Mannisenmaki on the mend.

Tommi Makinen's co-driver Risto Mannisenmaki under went a successful four-hour operation yesterday following the Mitsubishi's crash on Friday at the Tour de France.

The team have released the following statement:

"Following a successful four-hour operation yesterday morning (Monday 22 October) to stabilise a fractured vertebra, Risto Mannisenmaki is described to be in a comfortable condition by the Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart team doctor, Paul Trafford, who described the operation as having gone very well."

"Dr Trafford stood in on the operation, alongside two neuro-surgeons, and was impressed with the level of expertise displayed by the French medical team in Marseille, where Risto has been since the accident on Friday (19 October)."

"Risto's family spent the night with him following the operation and he is already moving his legs and looking forward to returning home on Saturday (27 October) once doctors confirm he is well enough to travel. He will be transferred by air ambulance to Finland, where he will begin his recuperation."

"Risto is expected to make a full recovery and Dr Trafford estimates he will be back in a rally car either later this year or early in 2002."

"Messages of support continue to pour in, from team colleagues, throughout the motorsport world, team partners and sponsors and Risto's many friends and fans."