Spectator dies after Hayden Paddon's Monte Carlo Rally WRC crash

Paddon lost control of his Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC under braking for an icy left-hander just over half a mile from the end of the Entrevaux-Ubraye test.

The car slid sideways and went up a bank on the outside of the corner.

Paddon tweeted earlier in the evening: "Caught out by black ice near the end of the stage. The car snapped sideways and we were a passenger."

The male spectator is understood to have been positioned at the bottom of the bank and was reportedly hit by the right rear of Paddon's car.

A statement from the event organiser said: "The Automobile Club de Monaco regrets to advise further details following incident of the car #4 in SS1.

"The spectator was transported by helicopter from the stage to hospital in Nice. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, the spectator has sadly died.

"An investigation has commenced into the incident and all involved parties will provide assistance to the authorities.

"Everyone associated with the event extends their deepest sympathies and condolences to the families, friends and individuals affected."

The Hyundai team issued its own statement, its wording reflecting the ongoing nature of the investigation into precisely what happened.

"Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of a spectator during the opening stage of Rallye Monte-Carlo on Thursday evening," it read.

"The incident occurred at the same time as the #4 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC of Hayden Paddon and John Kennard crashed into the mountainside, after the car hit a patch of black ice at the entry to a left-hand turn.

"The team and crew have pledged their full support to the event organisers and authorities to understand the full details.

"Hyundai Motorsport extends its condolences to the family, friends and individuals affected."

The rally, which Hyundai currently leads with Thierry Neuville, is set to continue as planned on Friday, but Paddon's car will not restart.