Tragedy as racing team manager is killed after ‘fatal accident with truck’ ahead of Le Mans Cup

GERHARD FREUNDORFER has died following a fatal accident with his team truck.

Tributes have flooded in for Freundorfer, who was team manager of Proton Huber Competition.

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The fatal incident occurred at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya[/caption]

The fatal incident occurred at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya earlier today.

An official statement read: “The European Le Mans Series deeply regrets to have to report that on Tuesday 9 April 2024 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during the 4 Hours of Barcelona event an incident occurred in the Michelin Le Mans Cup paddock.

“In the morning during set up, Gerhard Freundorfer, Team Manager of Proton Huber Competition, was involved in a fatal accident with his team truck.

“He was quickly attended by the circuit medical staff but, unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.”

Paying tribute to Freundorfer, CEO of Le Mans Endurance Management Frederic Lequien said: “On behalf of the whole endurance family I would like to extend all of our deepest condolences to the family of Gerhard Freundorfer, especially to his wife Karola, and the Proton Huber Competition team.

“This is a very sad day for the endurance family.”

Managing director of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Josep Lluis Santamaria added: “On behalf of the Circuit we deeply regret this accident and would like to extend our deepest condolences to Gerhard’s family, friends and the entire paddock of the European Le Mans Series.”

While Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, said: “This morning we woke to the news of the death of Gerhard Freundorfer, which has saddened everyone involved in endurance racing.

“Gerhard was a member of the endurance family, and he will be sadly missed by all.

“I wish to extend the condolences of everyone at the ACO to Gerhard’s family and friends.”

Plenty of fans also paid tribute to Freundorfer, with one writing on social media: “Such tragic news. Teams and organisers spend so much time protecting those out on the track so for this to happen is just so sad.”

While a second wrote: “Our thoughts are with Gehrard’s family and friends, in these very difficult times.”

And another added: “Tragic news. Thoughts with everyone.”