Rovanpera leads Rally of Finland as Tanak hits tree

Double reigning world champion Kalle Rovanperä leads the Rally of Finland after winning four of Friday's eight specials on a day marred by Ott Tänak's crash and retirement.

Rovanperä leads Toyota pair Elfyn Evans and Sebastien Ogier by eight seconds with Thierry Neuville in fourth at 25sec with six specials on the program Saturday.

"It has been a tricky day, especially with the weather," Rovanperä said. "Really changeable and difficult conditions.

"Tomorrow will also be difficult for sure. All the guys are pushing hard, and the gaps are really small, so it’s going to be a big fight."

Former world champion Tanak will be absent after he escaped serious injury when he crashed his Hyundai into a tree.

Co-driver Martin Jarveoja was taken to hospital for tests although Hyundai said it was a precautionary measure.

SLIP OFF THE ROAD

Hyundai said Tanak's car "slid off the road at high speed in tricky and slippery conditions" on the third special stage, going on to roll and hit a tree.

"After the accident, Tanak and Jarveoja exited the car themselves without assistance and the stage was immediately red flagged to allow medical services to attend the scene.

"Both Tanak and Jarveoja were quickly attended to by the medical team, with Jarveoja taken to hospital by helicopter for further examination.

"While both driver and co-driver are well, Järveoja will need to remain in hospital overnight for observation as a precaution."

Prior to the start of the rally, the ninth event of the WRC season, Tanak was second in the overall standings, just eight points behind his Hyundai teammate Neuville.