Christian Bakkerud killed in road car accident
The motor racing fraternity has been paying its respects today to former GP2, DTM, British F3 and sportscar star Christian Bakkerud, who has died following a road car accident in London at the weekend.
Bakkerud's Audi RS6 overturned on Tibbett's Corner roundabout on the A3, close to Wimbledon Parkside on the border between Wimbledon Common, Putney and Southfields early on Saturday morning. Emergency services were on the scene just after 6am, but sadly, the Dane subsequently succumbed to the severe head injuries and brain damage he had sustained. He passed away in St George's Hospital on Sunday, aged just 26. Police do not believe any other vehicles were involved, but are appealing for information.
After competing in the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours with Kolles Audi, Bakkerud had announced his retirement from the sport, writing on his Facebook page that he had 'enjoyed his last Le Mans, and his last race as a professional racing driver...he wants to thank everyone for the support, it means so much for him - thank you!'
Since then, reports the Wimbledon Guardian, the Notting Hill resident had worked as an import manager at global shipping company Shipco Transport, before leaving this summer to explore other opportunities. Former rivals and colleagues have paid tribute via Twitter.
Paul di Resta:
Sad news to hear about Christian Bakkerud. Thoughts are with his family.
Karun Chandhok:
Very sad to hear about Christian Bakkerud losing his life in a car crash... lovely bloke I raced with in GP2... prayers go out to his family
Narain Karthikeyan:
Shocked and saddened to hear that my Le Mans Series team-mate Christian Bakkerud passed away in a car accident. R.I.P. my friend...
Giedo van der Garde:
Really sad about the news from Christian Bakkerud. He was my team-mate in 2000 and 2001. He was a top guy! All the best to his loving ones!
Sam Bird:
Christian Bakkerud. Top guy. We will all miss you.
James Jakes:
Getting my things together for Japan, woke up to some crazy news RIP Christian Bakkerud.
All of us here at Crash.net send our sincerest condolences to Christian's family and friends. One of the good guys, taken far too soon.
