Five spectators injured in shakedown.
The shakedown for the Rally de Portugal was marred by an accident this morning, when Armindo Araujo lost control and went off the road.
The incident occurred less than one hour into the session, when Portuguese rally champion and 2006 event winner, Araujo left the road in his privately entered Mitsubishi Lancer WR 05.
Although no one was seriously injured and the shakedown has since re-started, five people were hit, including a photographer, who broke a leg and one spectator, who suffered a broken arm.
The shakedown for the Rally de Portugal was marred by an accident this morning, when Armindo Araujo lost control and went off the road.
The incident occurred less than one hour into the session, when Portuguese rally champion and 2006 event winner, Araujo left the road in his privately entered Mitsubishi Lancer WR 05.
Although no one was seriously injured and the shakedown has since re-started, five people were hit, including a photographer, who broke a leg and one spectator, who suffered a broken arm.
A statement from the organisers, on the events official website, confirmed: "At 9.48am during the official shakedown of the 2007 Vodafone Rally de Portugal, the car of Armindo Araujo left the road and made contact with five people who were stood in a designated 'No-go' area.
"A Portuguese photographer suffered a broken leg and was attended to by the organiser's medical staff before being taken to Faro hospital for further treatment. One suffered a broken arm and was also attended to at the scene before being transferred to Faro hospital.
"The others suffered slight injuries and were taken to hospital for precautionary checks."
It is hardly the start the organisers would have wanted, especially as it is the countries first FIA World Rally Championship event for six years.
