Kuldar Sikk‘s standing for the 2025 Dakar Rally is up within the air after he suffered a damaged backbone in an accident throughout final weekend’s Central European Rally.
Sikk had been working with the gravel crew for fellow Estonian Ott Tänak when the accident occurred. The Central European Rally, the penultimate spherical of the 2024 World Rally Championship, was on the Czech leg on the time, so he was delivered to College Hospital Pilsen for emergency surgical procedure earlier than he might be flown again to Estonia. He arrived by airplane at Tallinn Airport on Tuesday.
“Early morning on final Friday, my Route Be aware Automotive crew had an accident on the highway part on the way in which to SS3,” wrote Tänak, who went on to win the race. “As a result of accident, Kuldar bought a severe again damage and was taken to the hospital.
“Our staff has been working laborious on the background to get Kuldar again dwelling as quick and as secure as doable to proceed his therapy at his dwelling nation. Massive due to Fakultní Nemocnice Plzeň hospital personnel for the assist and assist over these previous few days.
“I’m glad that he’s safely dwelling now and handed over to Estonian medical doctors who will present him the very best care and Kuldar can keep near his household. Get properly quickly, Kuldar!”
As a result of damage, it’s unknown if Sikk will get well in time to run the Dakar Rally in January because the navigator for Benediktas Vanagas. The 2 have been working collectively since 2023, retiring from their first Dakar as a duo earlier than ending eighth in 2024.
Sikk had been a WRC co-driver since 2002, filling the position for Tänak from 2010 to 2012. The 2 ran the total WRC in 2012, ending eighth in factors.
“Proper now, Kuldar’s well being is crucial factor,” mentioned Vanagas. “He’s robust. He’ll pull by way of.”
The 2025 Dakar Rally is scheduled for 3–17 January, that means Sikk can have simply three months to get well. Vanagas has not introduced a substitute if essential.
