Cédric Delage, whose responsibility is not obvious as safety instructions were apparently not followed, showed a very good attitude. The Val d’Agout rally in the Tarn unfortunately led to an accident with a spectator, which could have been much more serious. “Fortunately, her condition is not a cause for concern,” said the organization. The driver involved, Cédric Delage, acknowledged “a piloting mistake and late braking,” which is also the risk of motor sports – especially this one, on roads completely open to the public.
“Only public materialized areas are authorized!”
The organization would have preferred to do without it, but it took the opportunity to remind everyone to be vigilant: “Despite all precautions taken, an unexpected event can still occur (human error, mechanical problem, race conditions…). Safety rules are put in place to protect you, not to restrict the public. We remind you that only areas marked with green ribbons are authorized!” And they ask everyone to strictly respect the instructions of the officials and support vehicles, in order to avoid any drama and allow everyone to enjoy the event safely. Because according to our local colleagues from La Dépêche du Midi, the named Béatrice was indeed sitting on a chair in a prohibited area.
“Sad about what happened,” the driver did not hesitate to express his thoughts towards this spectator and her husband. He was excluded after helping the lady, a point he clarifies himself: “My exclusion is just the application of the FFSA’s regulation. ‘Any crew that stops the rally and neutralizes a special stage must be disqualified.’ Which I did effectively in order to provide assistance and facilitate the medical care of the injured spectator.” He acknowledges the “remarkable kindness” of the injured woman: “In due course, I will have the opportunity, on their side, to tell my truth. She has returned home and needs rest. Just like me and my 17-year-old son, who was my co-pilot. Fortunately, it was more alarming than harmful, and the sporting aspect is far from the health condition of an accident victim.” Cédric Delage went to see the interested party the next day, and they made a video together, where Béatrice in turn appreciates the behavior of the man who kept checking up on her.
