Motorsport community pays tribute to Sabine Schmitz

40

Tributes are pouring in across the motorsport community at large for Nürburgring queen Sabine Schmitz who passed away at 51 after a battle with cancer.

The only female racer to win the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance car race - and she did it twice, Schmitz also reached fame for her longstanding involvement as a pro driver on British motoring show Top Gear.

A high point of Schmitz's involvement with the classic motoring program was her entertaining attempt to lap the Ring in less than 10 minutes onboard a Ford Transit.

Top Gear will dedicate its upcoming episode on Sunday to the late German racer.

"Sabine was a beloved member of the Top Gear family and presenting team since 2016, having first appeared on the show in 2004, and everyone who had the pleasure of working with her on the team is in shock at this news," Clare Pizey, executive producer of Top Gear, said via the BBC.

"Sabine radiated positivity, always wore her cheeky smile no matter how hard things got – and was a force of nature for women drivers in the motoring world.

"Like everyone else who knew her, we will truly miss her – Sabine really was one of a kind. Our thoughts are with her partner Klaus, who was always by her side and who we welcomed to Dunsfold many times, and her family in Germany."

The Nürburgring offered its own tribute on Twitter to their beloved Queen. "The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.

"Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!"

Formula 1 said in a statement: "We are all deeply saddened to hear that Sabine Schmitz has passed away.

"An incredible talent and wonderful person who made us all smile. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.