170 KPH CRASH RULES RALLY STAR MARTIN OUT OF PUNCHESTOWN EVENT

A spectacular 170kph crash during last weekend's Rally of Argentina has ruled Ford World Rally star Markko Martin out of next Sunday's PlayStation®2 Rally Experience at Punchestown. The 28-year old Estonian, currently No. 3 in the World Championship, was to have competed with 30 of Ireland's best drivers in a Ford Focus RS World Rally Car at the sprint event.

Märtin crashed violently on the fifth speed test in Argentina, his Focus rolling end over end several times at almost 170kph. The crash happened after he landed on bed rock jutting out of the track after a flat out jump.  The car was destroyed but the strength of the Focus allowed Märtin and co-driver Park to climb from the wreckage with no serious injuries.  Having been taken to hospital for a scan and X-rays Martin was flown back to Britain for further tests. He was suffering from blurred vision.

It is unclear whether he will participate in the next round of the Championship, in Finland.

"After such a heavy accident it is important that Markko rests and receives the necessary medical treatment.  On the advice of our medical staff we have unfortunately had to withdraw him from the event." explained Ford BP team director Malcolm Wilson.

"Markko's absence is a disappointment, especially as it was to have been his first visit here," said Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland. 'Nonetheless, thousands of rally fans will have lots to shout about on Sunday in what is a one-off event on our sporting calendar."

The organisers of the event expect to announce another WRC driver to replace Martin in the coming days.