“The driver had entered the GPS coordinates, and the sat-nav system directed him along the SS7. The driver of the truck was unaware that he had entered on to a running special stage. Nevertheless, the truck was able to pass several barriers marking the special stage.As the truck quickly escaped to a side road and was secured, the stage was not interrupted.
“Approximately 35 minutes later a second vehicle, which belonged to the same company as the recovery truck and was reportedly on its way to assist it, also passed the barriers and entered SS7 in front of car No. 21.
“The stage was then immediately red-flagged for safety reasons.
The Clerk of the Course and Mr Joao Paulo Jordao [Representative of the Organising Committee] apologised for the incidents that had occurred. They stated that the Organiser had arrangements in place with the relevant civilian authority to provide security and road closures for the rally stages.
“They have confirmed that the investigation into the circumstances of this incident is still ongoing.”
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