Former world rally champion Carlos Sainz was taken to a Perth hospital for a check-up after crashing during a reconnaissance run for this weekend's Rally Australia.

The Spaniard and co-driver Marc Marti crashed near Harvey, south west of Perth, but their Citroen teams said neither was injured.

Event officials insisted Sainz be taken by helicopter to hospital for tests and he was released after a medical clearance.

Sainz said in a statement through rally headquarters that he planned to complete the reconnaissance and race in what will be the 42-year-old's last event before retirement.

Sainz won the world title driving for Toyota in 1990 and 1992.

He was also runner-up four times and finished third five times in the WRC drivers' standings.

Since making his debut in 1987, he has won a record 26 events.

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