Legend Vatanen to undergo operation

Following his accident on the sixth stage of Tour de Corse-E.Leclerc, where he was driving a Peugeot 207 RC Rally as the route-opening zero car, rallying legend Ari Vatanen will be taken to hospital in Marseille for an operation to stabilise the injury to his neck.

The Finn requires a routine operation to repair the injury he sustained in a heavy frontal impact, but is expected to make a complete recovery once the surgery has been carried out.

Vatanen is expected to be airlifted to hospital either tonight or tomorrow for the operation, as soon as suitable transport can be arranged. His son Max, who was with him in the car, was uninjured.

Sandell in the thick of tough IRC battle

Škoda Sweden driver Patrik Sandell says that the Intercontinental Rally Challenge is one of the most competitive environments that he has ever driven in, following his first two days of action in the Eurosport-backed series.

Sandell, a former Junior world champion, has his sights firmly set on the 2011 IRC title, having committed to at least seven rounds of the series this year in a Fabia Super 2000. Nonetheless, he is using his debut event to play himself in and get a feel for the competition.

“It’s very, very strong here,” said the Red Bull-backed Swede, who holds 11th heading to the overnight halt in Ajaccio. “On the IRC there is a lot of asphalt as well as some gravel, and that makes it a huge challenge as you have to be so precise. It’s only the really versatile people, like Sébastien Loeb, who could be on top here. The level is just as tough as I have found on the world championship, maybe tougher.”

Campana says there is more to come

Corsican driver Pierre Campana says he has yet to achieve his full potential at the wheel of his privateer Peugeot 207 Super 2000.

The Bastia resident is fifth overnight following adjustments to his car’s rear suspension at midday service.

“We still have some work to do on the set-up, that’s for sure,” said Campana earlier. “The car was moving about too much on the road. That meant that I didn’t have maximum confidence. I am sure I can be quicker though.”

Campana is taking part in his first IRC event in a Super 2000 car after stepping up from the IRC 2WD Cup for his home rally.