French driver David Ferrer dies after Zandvoort Historic GP crash

Ferrer, 62, crashed his March 701 in the FIA Masters Historic Formula 1 race at the Dutch circuit's fast right-handed Arie Luyendijk corner on Saturday and needed to be resuscitated at the scene before he was airlifted to a specialist trauma hospital in Amsterdam.

The FIA confirmed his passing in a statement on Thursday.

It read: "The FIA regrets to advise that the driver David Ferrer has unfortunately succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident at Zandvoort.

"The FIA extends its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Ferrer at this difficult time."

The race was not restarted following his crash.

Briton Paul Tattersall was behind Ferrer at the time in an Ensign N179, and left the road in avoidance of the wreckage.

"I had a split second to decide whether to go left or right," said Tattersall.

"Thank heavens I chose right or I'd have hit David."

Marshals and medics were praised for their "exemplary" work in resuscitating and extracting Ferrer from what FIA technical scrutineer John Gentry described as "right up there" among the biggest accidents he had seen in his career.

The Zandvoort Circuit also released a statement: "Management and staff of Circuit Zandvoort and organisers of the Historic Grand Prix, received the news that French driver, David Ferrer, has passed away in hospital, aged 62.

"We extend our sincere condolences to David Ferrer's family and friends."

Photograph courtesy of Jeff Bloxham