Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion Andreas Mikkelsen spent Saturday night in hospital as a precaution following his crash late on the Circuit of Ireland.
The Norwegian finished second behind Juho Hanninen despite an accident on the Lisburn street stage, which saw him hit a protected hay bale at high speed. The mistake cost Mikkelsen 40 seconds and ended his shot at victory. Although Mikkelsen completed the remaining three stages to claim second place, afterwards he reported feeling unwell.
Medical checks showed up a perforated eardrum, and Mikkelsen was kept in hospital overnight as a precaution, before having a CT scan on Sunday morning.
No serious injuries were discovered, and Mikkelsen was released from hospital to return to rally headquarters in time to carry out a prize draw for volunteer marshals.
The Skoda UK driver continues to lead the 2012 IRC standings, having taken a win and two second places from the opening three rounds.