Apex to continue despite tragic losses

The team have been developing a GT3 version of the Jaguar XKR over the last 12 months and are due to enter their first full season with the car this year.

"While our first thoughts are with their families, we know that motor racing never stops, and that Richard and David would not have wanted it to stop," said Handkammer.

"Apex will forge ahead with the Jaguar XKR GT3 programme and our entries in the FIA GT3 Championship. Before we were racing to win, now we will be racing with an added purpose - in memory of Richard, David, and Chris."

Handkammer also paid tribute to his three colleagues, who were killed when the plane taking them to an FIA GT3 test at Nogaro in southern France crashed in Kent on Sunday afternoon.

"The loss of Richard, David, and Chris has reverberated throughout British motorsport and those shock waves have obviously been felt most deeply not only by their families, but also by all of us within Apex Motorsport.

"Richard was the heart and soul of our company, and it his vision, knowledge, and enthusiasm that brought us to where we are now with the Jaguar programme. He possessed a sure but gentle touch in all that he did, and was the consummate politician in this competitive business that we all love.

"David had been involved with us for many years as a friend, colleague, and team-mate. His contribution to Apex cannot be under-estimated and he was looking forward immensely to driving with us full-time in the FIA GT3 Championship this year.

"Chris was just at the beginning of his motorsport career and was so enthusiastic about the coming season and his role as a data engineer. It's particularly tragic when a young person's life is ended prematurely and we know that he would have made a great contribution to our team."