TEENAGE driver Dilano van’t Hoff has tragically died aged 18.
The young Dutchman passed away after being involved in an accident at the Spa racing track in Belgium on Saturday morning.
The track, which is also used for Formula 1, was hosting a Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) event in treacherous conditions.
In a statement, FRECA confirmed: “Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine sadly announces the death of MP Motorsport driver Dilano van’t Hoff.
“The incident happened during Spa-Francorchamps race 2.
“We want to express our sincere condolences to the family, team and friends.
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“Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps and SRO Motorsports Group join Alpine and ACI in expressing their sincerest condolences to the driver’s family, team and friends.”
In a further statement, 24 Hours of Spa wrote: “Everyone associated with the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa is devastated by the news that Formula Regional EU by Alpine driver Dilano van’t Hoff lost his life in an accident during this morning’s race.
“We express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and MP Motorsport.”
They also confirmed that a minute’s silence would be held before the race, and that all start-line entertainment had been cancelled.
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Van’t Hoff was in his second season in FRECA.
During his rookie campaign he achieved a podium finish in Barcelona.
A minute’s silence was held prior to today’s Formula 2 action in Austria in tribute to Van’t Hoff.
F1 chief Stefano Domenicali also paid his respects, saying: “We are so sad to learn of the passing of Dilano van ‘t Hoff today at Spa-Francorchamps.
“Dilano died in pursuit of his dream to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
“Along with the entire motorsport community, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz added on social media: “Terrible news from Spa. We’ve just learned Dilano Van’t Hoff has passed away after a big accident in Formula Regional.
“It is an extremely sad day for the entire motorsport family and my thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends.
“RIP Dilano.”
Mercedes star George Russell wrote: “I am truly saddened to hear of Dilano’s passing today in Spa.
“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
McLaren tweeted: “The McLaren Racing Team are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dilano van ’t Hoff in a Formula Regional race at Spa-Francorchamps today.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire MP Motorsport team at this difficult time.”
And Mercedes posted: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Dilano van ‘t Hoff following today’s tragic incident at the Formula Regional European Championship event at Spa.
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An FIA statement read: “The FIA extends its condolences to the family and friends of Dilano van ‘t Hoff and to the MP Motorsport Team following the incident today during the Formula Regional European Championship event at Spa-Francorchamps.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
