Allan Simonsen passes away after crash in Le Mans
Danish racing driver Allan Simonsen, aged 34 has succumbed to his injuries following a crash at the Le Mans 24 hours race. The Dane crashed the #95 Aston Martin after only 12 minutes into the epic race.
Simonsen, regarded as an extremely fast endurance driver set the pole position for his #95 Aston Martin.
An official statement from the organisers reads: "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."
He said on Friday before the race that he was excited about being at Le Mans, a race that would sadly become his last: "But just being at Le Mans and be allowed to drive the car on the track is incredibly special, - it's the biggest race for us. It's the one we most look forward to. It's also difficult because there are so many excellent drivers here from all over the world - a huge challenge."
A clip from an onboard camera of a follower shows how the car veers left into the barriers, which crucially do not have a tyre wall attached to them. The crash itself did not appear to be that severe, and it was reported that Simonsen was concious following the crash, talking to doctors.
Our thoughts are with Allan Simonsen's family and friends, as well as with Aston Martin Racing. The latter will continue to race this edition of Le Mans after a specific request from the Simonsen family.
