Andrea de Cesaris killed in motorcycle accident in Rome on the same day Jules Bianchi left battling for his life

News of De Cesaris' passing came just hours after Bianchi suffered life-threatening head injuries in a horror crash at the Japanese Grand Prix

Ex-Formula One driver Andrea de Cesaris (Getty Images)

Former Formula One driver Andrea de Cesaris has died in a motorcycle accident in Rome. He was 55.

With French driver Jules Bianchi fighting for his life after crashing at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, motor racing was dealt another blow when the official F1 website confirmed de Cesaris had died as a result of the accident in his home city.

He drove for British-based team McLaren for one season in 1981 and the team tweeted: "All at McLaren send condolences to ex-McLaren #F1 driver Andrea De Cesaris, who sadly passed away today."

His most successful results were second-placed finishes at races in Germany and South Africa in 1983, while representing Alfa Romeo.

The previous year in the United States - and with the same team - de Cesaris became the youngest driver to start a Grand Prix from the front of the grid, aged 22.

PA