By Lucy Armour
The motorsport world is mourning the death of racing driver Juha Miettinen following a seven-car crash on Saturday during the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie qualifiers in Germany.
The 66-year-old was competing in the ADAC 24h Nurburgring Qualifiers when the accident happened early in the race at the Nordschleife circuit.
Race officials immediately red flagged the race, and Miettinen later died from his injuries at the circuit’s medical centre.
Six other drivers were involved and escaped without any life-threatening injuries.
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Condolences flood in
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who was competing, has paid his tribute on social media, saying he is “sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones”.
He had stated that he is “shocked by what’s happened”, adding: “Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be.”
The tribute brought emotion to the paddock, with many reflecting on the risks racing brings to the track, but also Miettinen’s reputation as a passionate competitor.
Just hours before the cars were brought onto the track, Miettinen had expressed his excitement for the event through a social media post.
A minute’s silence was held on Sunday to honour Miettinen ahead of the four-hour qualifying race, with cars featuring tributes to the late race driver.
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