Solberg`s co-driver injured after <I>that</I> jump

Henning Solberg's co-driver, Cato Menkerud has been diagnosed with a vertebral fracture following an x-ray examination after the Rally Finland at the weekend.

Menkerud was one of several drivers to have difficulties on the opening day in SS5, when several of the crews misjudged a jump about 10 kilometres into Vellipohja, a test that was new for this year's event.

"The crack happened on SS5 at the same jump where several other co-drivers injured themselves," said Menkerud.

He experienced an extremely painful landing and immediately afterwards had trouble breathing.

"Even though I am stiff and in a bit of pain at the moment, I'm sure I'll be clear to complete our last WRC event of the year in Wales next month," he added.

Henning and Menkerud eventually finished the event Sunday ninth overall, the best of the privateer runners. Menkerud though had to be given several painkillers to enable him to continue and received intensive physiotherapy following Friday's incident.

Speaking after the event, prior to the news about his 'partner', Henning noted: "Friday and Saturday were hard and more difficult than I expected. Cato was screaming in pain for about 1km [after a heavy landing in SS5] and so I didn't have any pace notes.

"I wanted more from Friday and losing time Saturday, when the car stalled on the startline, was time I didn't want to lose. But I've really enjoyed the rally and the set-up of the car is now perfect for my next event in Britain."