Henry Surtees' death shakes motorsport world

Henry Surtees: A talented driver, loving son and brother

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Henry Surtees died yesterday following an accident in a Formula Two race at Brands Hatch.

Henry, aged 18, graduated to the revived F2 series earlier this year after racing in Formula Renault UK and Formula BMW. On Saturday he claimed his first podium finish of the season after coming third in the opening race of the weekend.

He had raced in karts from the age of eight and won the Super 4 Junior Gearbox Championship in 2005, moving on to car racing in the Ginetta Junior Championship in 2006 in which he finished third.

He switched to single seaters the following year, racing in Formula Renault and the Formula BMW UK Championship with Carlin Motorsport. He finished sixth in the championship overall and second in the Rookie Cup with a win, eight podium finishes and two fastest laps.

Last year he raced in Formula Renault UK finishing 12th in the main championship and second in the Winter Series. He also competed in the final two rounds of the British F3 National Class Championship at Donington Park, claiming a win and a second place.

In a tribute to his son, John Surtees said Henry had just finished his A' levels and was thriving on the freedom to concentrate on his racing.

"Despite bad luck in his motorsport, he had shown himself to be one with the possibilities of reaching the very top, despite his young age. He had shown maturity, technical understanding and speed.

"Most importantly he was a nice person and a loving son and brother. He will be deeply missed."

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and Brazilian Formula One driver Felipe Massa both expressed their sorrow and, in common with other leading figures in motorsport, stressed the importance of learning from the tragedy.

"These things remind us how much safety has to remain the priority on the track and in all the other places of motorsport," Massa said. "Over the last years much has been done, but we can't be inattentive."

La Ferrari would like to offer its condolences to the Surteees family