Watch rally champion Ott Tanak's horrific crash in Monte Carlo opening

Tanak was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. He clinched the championship title with Toyota last season. The season-opening Monte Carlo rally is his competitive debut with Hyundai.

Monte Carlo: World champion Ott Tanak scaped a major injury after his Hyundai car crashed at a speed of 188kph on Friday. He was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

Later Hyundai issued a statement that stated that the Estonian and co-driver Martin Jarveoja, who were able to exit the damaged car after the accident in the French Alps 9, were fine.

"The Estonians will be kept in hospital overnight for precautionary monitoring and will take no further part in Rallye Monte-Carlo," the team added.

Video footage showed that the racing car rammed into trees before going down to hillside gorge.

Tanak clinched the championship title with Toyota last season. The season-opening Monte Carlo rally is his competitive debut with Hyundai.

"I am pleased that Ott and Martin are fine after their accident in this morning’s loop," said team principal Andrea Adamo. "Our priority in such situations is always the condition of the crew first and foremost.

Tanak's damaged car

"It is customary after such incidents for hospital check-ups, the results of which were clear."

Tanak's Belgian teammate Thierry Neuville had led the rally overnight but Toyota debutant Elfyn Evans took over at the top on Friday.

The Welshman was fastest in the three morning stages to take lead over Neuville by 8.9 seconds.

"The feeling is generally pretty good in the car and the right tyre choice was made as well, so thanks to the team for that. It’s been great so far," Evans was quoted as saying.