Rally co-driver killed in high speed crash

SEBASTIEN LOEB may have moved to within touching distance of the world championship but the champagne remained untouched as rallying paid its respects to Michael Park, who was killed on Wales Rally GB yesterday.

Co-driver Park, from Newent in Gloucestershire, was killed when the Peugeot he shared with Markko Martin left the road at high speed, smashing into a tree on the passenger side of the car.

The 17-mile Margam stage was immediately cancelled by organisers, who confirmed that 39-year-old Park had died, leaving a wife, Marie, and children William and Victoria.

Martin escaped injury and no spectators were involved.

Park had been Martin’s co-driver throughout his top-class rallying career, the pair winning five world rallies together.