I realise that this weekend is a one of the quieter weekends for my motorsport viewing but it has become a sadder weekend for me as a fan already.
Although I have the fun of the BTCC from Croft to look forward to on Sunday afternoon, it will be tinged with emotions of sadness.
I have been watching the 2013 Le Mans 24 hours, on what is the 90th anniversary of the race being held and only 4 laps in it suffered a fatality.
Popular Danish driver Allan Simonsen was piloting the number 95 Aston Martin Vantage V8 in the GTE Am category, when coming out of the Tetre Rouge corner, his car spun into the barriers. The impact was so hard it actually damaged the Armco barriers causing a Safety Car period of 55 minutes.
As Simonsen was taken away to the medical centre it was confirmed later in the race that he had succumbed to his injuries and lost his life.
The official Statement from the ACO was as follows:
"At 15h09 the #95 Aston Martin Vantage GTE, driven by Allan Simonsen of Denmark, exited the track at high-speed at the Tetre Rouge corner on his fourth lap of the race.
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.
Allan Simonsen's family has been informed immediately by David Richards, principal of Aston Martin Racing."
AS a fan, I extend my sympathies and condolences to Allan's family. At the families request, Aston Martin will continue to run their cars to the finish.
I will continue to watch the race but it will be with a heavy heart.
Cheers
Phil
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