It was announced last Wednesday that two drivers have lost their lives at the historic and legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, following a “serious accident”.
Two employees of tyre manufacturer Goodyear sadly passed away whilst completing a tyre test, whilst driving a Porsche.
As of yet, only one of the victims has been named, with the other yet to be identified.
The named victim was 39-year-old Christan Franck, a racing and test driver.
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Both drivers had a very good understanding and knowledge of the circuit, with Nurburgring being very strict in regard to the level of driver manufacturers must use when completing any form of testing.
The circuit released a statement following the tragic event.
“In the course of commercial tests at the Nurburgring, the so-called industrial pool, a serious accident occurred on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, in which two people lost their lives,” a spokesperson of the circuit stated.
“A vehicle taking part in the tests had a single-car accident in the Tiergarten section of the track. Although rescue measures were initiated immediately, both occupants died. As part of the so-called industry pool, companies and manufacturers from the automotive and supplier industry test their vehicles and products at the Nürburgring.
“During the test drives at the Nürburgring, the participating companies only have experienced, professional test drivers who have exceptional vehicle control right up to the limits and very good track knowledge of the Nürburgring Nordschleife.”
Goodyear also released a statement and revealed that the two drivers were based in Luxembourg, and they the tyre manufacturer were “assisting” with the investigation into the accident.
“We are deeply saddened that two Luxembourg-based Goodyear associates passed away on August 9 following a vehicle incident that occurred at a test track in Germany.
“We are assisting the local authorities with the investigation. Our immediate concern is for our associates’ family and friends, as well as their co-workers in Luxembourg.”
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Porsche have also commented on the incident, which as mentioned, involved one of their cars.
A Porsche spokesperson told German newspaper Merkur: “[A]t the moment we can only confirm that the vehicle involved in the accident is a model of our brand.”
The tragic event comes just two months before Esteban Ocon attempts to break the circuit’s record, in a modified Alpine A110.