Allan Simonsen: 1978-2013

This article will be updated

Allan Simonsen, who has died at the age of 34, was one of the leading GT drivers in the world and was known for his skill and ability to not only compete in a wide range of different machinery, but also to win in them.

The Dane was a two-time podium finisher in the Le Mans 24 Hours having turned his back on a single-seater career to forge a career in sportscars.

It was in sportscars where he made his name, with countless wins around the globe.

What follows is a video of Simonsen doing what he did best, along with tributes from friends and colleague from the motorsport world.

Automobile Club de l'Ouest:
"The Automobile Club de l'Ouest wishes to express its great sadness following this incident, and extends its deepest condolences to the family and those close to Allan Simonsen."

Jean Todt, FIA president:
"We would like to convey our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Allan's family and friends. Our thoughts are also with his Aston Martin teammates at this difficult time.

"Allan was an extremely talented and experienced sportscar driver who had raced in every corner of the world and was highly respected by his peers and his team. For many in endurance racing, Allan was above all a good friend who displayed his passion for racing on and off the track.

"His loss will be felt by the FIA, the ACO and the greater motorsport family."

David Richards, Aston Martin Racing CEO:
"Incidents like this are very rare but when they happen you have to make decisions based on a number of factors - in this case the wishes of the family were paramount.

"We spoke with Allan's family who were insistent that we continued to compete in the 24-hour race. The team is, of course, deeply saddened by the loss of one of our drivers, however we are as focused as ever to win this race, but we are now racing to win for Allan."

John Gaw, Aston Martin Racing team principal:
"On behalf of all of us at Aston Martin Racing, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the individuals, and families whose friends or loved ones were involved in today's terrible tragedy."

Jamie Campbell-Walter, Aston Martin Racing:
"A great team-mate and a great guy. His family have asked us to continue to try and win."

Oliver Gavin, Corvette Racing:
"Dreadful news that Allan Simonsen has passed away. I was right behind him when he went off at Tetre Rouge, horrible accident. Just awful."

Nissan Motorsport:
"The Nissan family sends its condolences to the Simonsen family and to Aston Martin Racing. Racing on with heavy hearts."

Rebellion Racing:
"We are extremely sad to hear of the death of Allan Simonsen. Our thoughts and prayers for him, his family and his team. A sad day for racers."

Corvette Motorsport:
"Our thoughts go out to Aston Martin Racing, friends, and family with the passing of Allan Simonsen."

JMW Motorsport:
"The official announcement of the death of Allan has utterly shocked us. He has been such a great friend to JMW and raced with us. Heartbroken."

Nick Tandy:
"Such terrible news, our sport has lost one of our greatest drivers. My thoughts are with Alan's family, colleagues and friends."

Sean Edwards:
"I can't believe it. No words. A great friend and all round great guy who always had a smile. You will NEVER be forgotten."

Triple Eight Race Engineering:
"Terrible news about Allan. He was mighty in GT and was mighty on the Mountain. A great bloke. Will be sorely missed."

Jon Barnes, British GT Champion 2008:
"Probably the toughest, most talented driver I have ever raced against. Some of my favourite memories from 2008 were racing against Allan Simonsen, especially in the British GT Championship decider, relentlessly trying to hang on to him around the Brands Hatch GP circuit. Thoughts are with his wife and young daughter, and brother Benny."

Gregor Fisken:
"Shocked and terribly saddened by the news of the loss of great Allan Simonsen at Le Mans today."

Joe Osborne:
"Gutted. Truly one of the guys I wanted to try and emulate. I will remember the fun times."

Aaron Scott:
"Devastated to hear the news from Le Mans about Allan, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

Adam Wilcox:
"So very, very saddened to hear that the best driver I ever had the chance to race wheel to wheel with has died today at Le Mans. He was the hardest racer and the fiercest competitor I ever knew, and was out of place not being in F1.

"I know he died doing what he loved and will be sadly missed by me, thoughts with his brother and rest of his family. God Speed Allan hands down you were THE man all the time."

James Warnette, British GT Media Delegate:
"He was one of the most approachable drivers on the British GT grid, and was a joy to work with. Whether Allan did well or had a bad race, he was always there with the Rosso Verde team and always obliging when asked for a quote or comment.

"Allan was also one of the longest serving drivers in the series, having first raced in the series back in 2004. On behalf of SRO, I would like to offer our sympathy and support to Allan's family."

V8 Supercar Championship:
"V8 Supercars and its teams are deeply saddened by the news overnight that long-time endurance driver, and great friend of the sport, Allan Simonsen had passed away.

"Simonsen was an extremely popular driver within the Championship over many years. He was a regular at Sandown and Bathurst since 2003 and this year was due to drive with Brad Jones Racing's David Wall in the endurance events.

"The extremely accomplished and versatile Dane was third at Bathurst with Greg Murphy in 2011 when the pair started from pole position. He also had endurance drives with Garry Rogers Motorsport, Perkins Engineering, Triple Eight Race Engineering, Paul Morris Motorsport, Kelly Racing, BJR and Dick Johnson Racing last year.

"V8 Supercars sends it condolences to the Simonsen family and the international racing community."

Jason Bright:
"Gutted to hear that we have lost Allan Simonsen. It was a pleasure to spend time with him a few years ago at Bathurst."

Will Davison:
"There are simply no words sufficient for the loss of Allan Simonsen, just a great guy taken far too soon, thoughts and prayers to his family."

Rick Kelly:
"It was a pleasure to have known and worked with Allan. Still coming to terms with the loss of a great friend."

James Courtney:
"Devastated to hear from Le Mans that Allan Simonsen has passed away. I grew up racing with Allan and he was truly a great racer and great guy."

Steve Johnson:
"Distressing news this morning that my endurance co-driver last year Allan Simonsen has died at Le Mans. Can't believe it."

Shea Adam, Radio Le Mans:
"Today, a father, son, and husband passed away while fulfilling his passion. Rest in peace, Allan Simonsen."

Mark Howson, Dailysportscar.com:
"This is without doubt the saddest day I've ever known while following the sport I love. I've had a good cry, a long walk and a beer with my good mate Chris.

"Now it's time to get back to work - not just for Allan, but for the other extraordinary guys giving it their all out there even in the knowledge of what's just happened. Rest in peace, mate."

Kevin Turner, Autosport:
"My thoughts are with Allan Simonsen's friends and family after his terrible Le Mans crash. A fine driver who provided many great moments."