An investigation has been launched into the fatal accident suffered by Allan Simonsen at the 90th anniversary running of the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Simonsen, a leading GT driver, had qualified on pole in his class, the GTE Am category of race-prepared road cars, and was a favourite to finish strongly in La Sarthe. After nine minutes of racing and on the fourth lap, his No95 Aston Martin came off at high speed at the Tertre Rouge corner.
A statement issued by race organisers said the investigation was focusing on the possibility that the accident occurred "due to circumstances in the race". On-board footage from the car following immediately behind Simonsen at the time of the crash appears to show another GTE-class competitor going off the track in a separate incident just seconds earlier.
