Big crash leaves Grataloup in hospital.

The Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart crew of Francois Delecour and Daniel Grataloup suffered an accident on special stage 7 of the first leg of the 2002 Telstra Rally Australia.

The organiser's medical helicopter and the intervention vehicle were dispatched to the scene in response to the automatic safety tracker in the car and an organiser's report.

Big crash leaves Grataloup in hospital.

The Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart crew of Francois Delecour and Daniel Grataloup suffered an accident on special stage 7 of the first leg of the 2002 Telstra Rally Australia.

The organiser's medical helicopter and the intervention vehicle were dispatched to the scene in response to the automatic safety tracker in the car and an organiser's report.

Francois Delecour was examined at the scene by the stage medical team who passed him fit to return to Perth.

Daniel Grataloup was airlifted from the scene by the rally medical staff and transferred to hospital in Perth. There he was found to have a fractured ankle, a fractured pelvis and bruising to his right lung.

He was admitted to hospital for observation and will spend the first night in intensive care, as a precaution. Grataloup was conscious and talking throughout the incident and although in pain, his injuries are not considered critical.

The team doctor, Dr Paul Trafford, was at the hospital when Grataloup arrived and worked with the Australian staff in treating the Frenchman. Dr Trafford praised the medical staff for the quality of their work and Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart praised the organisers for the extremely professional response to this incident.

Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart will issue a further statement at 09.00 hrs Perth local time on Saturday 2 November with any further information.

Read More