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Christian Devereux killed in Donnington Park Mini crash

Jason Plato, two-time British Touring Car Champion, described Mr Devereux’s death as 'terrible news'

Emma Bamford
Monday 06 May 2013 16:58 BST
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A racing driver of historic Minis died while taking part in a classic car race that was part of an event held in memory of F1 driver Ayrton Senna.

Christian Devereux, from Chiswick in London, was killed following an accident in the historic touring cars race at Donington Park, Leicestershire, on Sunday afternoon.

The 51-year-old was driving a 1965 Mini Cooper S, which is believed to have collided with an American Ford Mustang.

The race, in which 20 pre-1966 touring cars were competing, was part of the Donington Historic Festival, which has been running over the weekend, and attracted hundreds of visitors from around the country. The three-day event was dedicated to the memory of Brazilian Formula One driver Ayrton Senna, who died 20 years ago. A Lotus that he won the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix in was on display at the park.

A statement from organisers said Mr Devereux “succumbed to injuries”.

One witness, who did not want to be named, told the Derby Telegraph newspaper: “I saw the crash happen and, to be honest, it was no worse than the type of collisions you see at the course on any given week” and added that it was only when the red flags were raised, to halt the race, that spectators realised it was serious.

Jason Plato, two-time British Touring Car Champion, described Mr Devereux’s death as “terrible news”.

Jody Fannin, 2012 British GT4 Champion, wrote: “RIP Christian Devereux. Just heard about the news from Donington. Puts everything into perspective. Thoughts with his friends and family.”

A statement on the Facebook page for Mini Magazine said: “We're incredibly sad to hear that historic Mini racer, Christian Devereux, passed away today following a racing accident at Donington Park.

”Thoughts go out to his family and friends from all at Mini Magazine.“

Race organisers and the Historic Sports Car Club will work with police and the Motor Sports Association to determine the cause of the crash.

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