Allan Simonsen Killed In 24 Hours Of Le Mans Crash

Image via 24h-lemans.com

Aston Martin's Le Mans 24 hour driver Allan Simonsen has died following a crash in the early stages of this weekend's gruelling 24 hour race. The Dane, who was driving the No. 95 Aston, lost control of his car on lap 3.

On board footage shows Simonsen losing control as he crosses the kerb exiting Tertre Rouge, which spears him left towards the barriers at high speed. If you're at all squeamish we recommend you don't watch the video below - although the footage does not show the impact, it does show what leads to the incident that would ultimately take his life.

On-board footage

The organisers of the 24 hour event, Automobile Club de l'Ouest, released a statement following the crash:

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. Allan Simonsen’s family has been informed immediately by David Richards, Principal of the Aston Martin Racing team. Allan Simonsen, an experienced driver aged 34, had taken part in seven 24 Heures du Mans. His team mates in the No.95 car were his fellow countrymen, Christoffer Nygaard and Kristian Poulsen. 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.

The Aston Martin website has been blacked out and replaced with a brief statement offering condolences to Simonsen's family. It also states that, at the request of his family, the team will continue to compete in the race.

This is the first death in the 24 hour event since 1997, when Sebastien Enjolras died during practice. It is the first death during the race since Jo Gartner in 1986.

We'll update you with more information when it is available.