Australian GP tragedy - CAMS statement.

The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport Ltd [CAMS], on behalf of the motorsport community offers its deepest sympathy to the family of the marshal who was involved in an accident during the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The official, Graham Francis Beveridge of Queensland, was experienced and undertaking his duties at Turn 3 at the Albert Park Circuit when an accident between former world champion Jacques Villeneuve and Ralf Schumacher occurred at 2.10pm. A number of other people received minor injuries and were discharged after being treated at a nearby first aid post.

"The role of officials at motor sport events is absolutely essential and they are the backbone of the motor sport community, working long hours for their love of the sport," Peter Hansen, chief executive officer of CAMS, said, "Such a tragedy is a shock to all concerned, as it occurred in highly unusual circumstances.

"Motorsport these days is subject to the enforcement of the strictest rules formulated by FIA concerning safety of drivers, officials and spectators. However, yesterday an unthinkable situation occurred, where it appears that debris from the car penetrated a narrow access slot in the safety fence and hit a trackside marshal who happened to be standing nearby.

"CAMS is assisting Graham's family - his wife of 26 years Karen, daughter and sons - in every way it can in these difficult times. Without doubt, the entire motor sport community joins CAMS in offering its deepest sympathy to the family."

The incident will now be the subject of a coronial enquiry.

The family has requested that its privacy be respected at this sad time.