Helicopter crash mars French GP

01/07/2007

Members of the paddock at Magny-Cours were in shock this morning following the news that a helicopter crashed shortly after leaving the circuit late last night.

Three people were killed in the accident and two injured. Initial reports suggested that some of those involved were employees of tyre supplier Bridgestone, though, it was later confirmed by the Japanese tyre company that only one of its employees was on board and was amongst the injured.

It remains unclear what caused the helicopter, which left the circuit at 19:30 heading for Castel Donzy, to crash.

Authorities are withholding the names of those involved until their families have been notified.