PRIVAS, France -- A co-pilot in the 58th Monte Carlo Rally was killed and the driver seriously injured Monday when their rally car slid off the road after failing to negotiate a turn.
Co-pilot Francis Malaussene of France died when the Renault 5 GT crashed in an embankment near Privas, in the Ardeche mountains.
The driver, Jean-Claude Bertaudiere, was in serious condition, according to rescuers.
The accident occurred during the seventh special section of the race, with the vehicle falling some 220 yards into a ravine some six miles from the finish at Burzet.
Bertaudiere, 38, was believed to have suffered a spinal injury, and was being treated on the scene prior to the arrival of a medical helicopter.
Witnesses said the driver braked too late going into a turn and that his wheels locked in a skid that carried the car off the road.
