The Le Mans 24 hours sportscar race took a tragic turn on Saturday as Danish driver Allan Simonsen, 34, was killed following a high speed crash. Simonsen is the first driver to die during the race in 22 years.
The Dane’s Aston Martin Vantage GTE left the track on just the fourth lap of the race, while taking the Tertre Rouge corner at high speed, shortly after 3pm.
Simonsen was reported to be conscious and talking to emergency crews following the incident.
“The driver was immediately attended on the scene by the doctors from the Automobile Club de l’Ouest’s Medical Service.
In a serious condition, Allan Simonsen was transferred immediately to the Circuit Medical Centre where he died soon after due to his injuries,” according to a statement released by The Automobile Club de l’Ouest.
It was Simonsen’s seventh time competing in the event.
The statement from The Automobile Club l’Ouest said: “The Automobile Club de l’Ouest wishes to express its great sadness following this incident, and extends its deepest condolences to the family and those close to Allan Simonsen.
“The Automobile Club de l’Ouest will make no further statement while the exact reasons for the accident are still being wholly determined. “
Formula One driver Jensen Button tweeted his condolences, saying: “Allan Simonsen RIP.such a tragic loss. A true fighter & a true racer. Safety is something we need 2 improve on in Motorsport.”
