Double FIA World Rally Championship winner Marcus Gronholm remains in hospital today after he crashed his Ford Fiesta heavily while practicing for the X Games in Los Angles last weekend.The Finn, who won 30 rounds of the WRC in a career that spanned 21 years in the series, hit a concrete post with the left side of his car during the accident.
He was knocked unconscious in the impact and hospitalised soon after. He remains in hospital where he is under observation.
A statement from Gronholm’s camp, issued on Sunday, said: “Marcus was taken to hospital in Los Angeles for assessment of his injuries.
Attending doctors are pleased that
Marcus is conscious, alert and talking and has full limb mobility. Following his initial assessment, doctors confirmed this morning that his condition has improved overnight following a night’s sleep and rest.
“Marcus will remain in hospital for ongoing observation and further tests and is benefiting from the best acute medical care.”
X Games gold medalist Sebastien Loeb admitted he had missed Gronholm in the final, saying: “Maybe my main rival was not here. I hope he is doing well.”
Brian Deegan, Gronholm’s team-mate who finished third in the final dedicated his medal to the Finn.