Evans’ absence opens WRC 2 door to rivals
Fuchs, Ptaszek bid to dethrone Welshman
Portugal jump rules Ptaszek out of Sardinia
Poland's Hubert Ptaszek, one of the likely front-runners in WRC 2 at Rally Italia Sardegna, has pulled out following the enormous jump that forced his retirement from Vodafone Rallye de Portugal three weeks ago.
Ptaszek's co-driver Maciek Szczepaniak hurt his back when the pair's Skoda Fabia R5 crash landed after the famous crest just before the end of the Fafe Power Stage.
Szczepaniak was treated at the scene and later at home in Poland and has been advised by doctors not to compete until his back has recovered.
But while their chance to take the WRC 2 lead in Italy is over, Ptaszek and Szczepaniak still travelled to the Mediterranean island to drive the route.
"Maciek is healing up but the doctor didn't give a green light for him taking part in the fierce competition during the rally yet. Although this time we'll be passing up on the competition, we're not passing up the recce. Collecting experience is most important and the pacenotes will be key for future seasons," said Ptaszek.
Yoann Bonato has also withdrawn his WRC 2 entry. The Frenchman upgraded his DS 3 R5 to Evo spec after Portugal and wants to test the car before returning to the competition.
