Henry Surtees dies in horrible F2 crash

Henry Surtees, son of Formula One champion John Surtees has today been badly injured during the second Formula 2 race at Brands Hatch. The Brit was struck on the helmet by a wheel that came loose from Jack Clarke's car after he crashed moments earlier. He later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

What initially looked like a harmless incident caused much worry with spectators. Clarke's crash really wasn't all that bad but a wheel and his rear wing broke free from the car. The wheel, still spinning ran onto the track and hit Surtees' helmet as he came along in his car.

Henry Surtees, driving with car number 7, subsequently went straight on at the next corner, possibly with the throttle stuck full open, as well as his helmet visor. It his the barrier on the approad to Sheen Curve where the car slid to a halt, showing no sign of reaction from the 18-year old Surtees.

The race was halted briefly to help the driver and airlift him to the hospital, unfortunately still without any news.

On track, the race was won by Andy Soucek who dedicated his victory to Surtees: "I saw the accident with Henry. Whatever happens with that, this victory is for him."

Formula Two Chief Executive, Jonathan Palmer, said "I would like to express my great sadness that Henry has been injured today. An accident like this would obviously raise high levels of concern and we await further news on Henry's condition from the hospital. This is clearly a very worrying time for John and Jane Surtees. Our thoughts are with them and we will be providing all the support we can."

Questions are immediately being raised about the safety at F2 circuits and the construction of the F2 cars, which Williams built upon FIA specifications. In its short lifetime, F2 has experienced more loose wheels on the track, but none have had crashes as a consequence.

By 22:20 GMT+1, a spokesperson at the hospital confirmed that Henry died in hospital following his injuries. F1technical offers its sincere condolences to his family whom we wish all the strength they may need.