Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Spectator dies after Hayden Paddon's Monte Carlo Rally WRC crash

A spectator has died from injuries sustained when Hayden Paddon crashed out of the first stage of the World Rally Championship-opening Monte Carlo Rally on Thursday night

Paddon lost control of his Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC under braking for an icy left-hander just over half a mile from the end of the Entrevaux-Ubraye test.

The car slid sideways and went up a bank on the outside of the corner.

Paddon tweeted earlier in the evening: "Caught out by black ice near the end of the stage. The car snapped sideways and we were a passenger."

The male spectator is understood to have been positioned at the bottom of the bank and was reportedly hit by the right rear of Paddon's car.

A statement from the event organiser said: "The Automobile Club de Monaco regrets to advise further details following incident of the car #4 in SS1.

"The spectator was transported by helicopter from the stage to hospital in Nice. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, the spectator has sadly died.

"An investigation has commenced into the incident and all involved parties will provide assistance to the authorities.

"Everyone associated with the event extends their deepest sympathies and condolences to the families, friends and individuals affected."

The Hyundai team issued its own statement, its wording reflecting the ongoing nature of the investigation into precisely what happened.

"Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of a spectator during the opening stage of Rallye Monte-Carlo on Thursday evening," it read.

"The incident occurred at the same time as the #4 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC of Hayden Paddon and John Kennard crashed into the mountainside, after the car hit a patch of black ice at the entry to a left-hand turn.

"The team and crew have pledged their full support to the event organisers and authorities to understand the full details.

"Hyundai Motorsport extends its condolences to the family, friends and individuals affected."

The rally, which Hyundai currently leads with Thierry Neuville, is set to continue as planned on Friday, but Paddon's car will not restart.

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article WRC Monte Carlo Rally: Thierry Neuville holds provisional lead
Next article Hyundai withdraws Paddon from WRC Monte Carlo after spectator death

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe