N脺RBURG, Germany (AP) 鈥� A driver has died following a crash in an endurance sportscar race on Saturday at the N眉rburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, where four-time champion Max Verstappen was also preparing to race.
Organizers of the ADAC 24h N眉rburgring Qualifiers said that Juha Miettinen died after a crash involving seven cars. He was 66.
鈥淔ollowing the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations,鈥� they said in
鈥淒espite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen, after he had been extracted from the vehicle; the driver died at the Medical Centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.鈥�
Organizers said the other six drivers were taken to the medical center and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations and that none were in a life-threatening condition.
Verstappen, who is using this weekend鈥檚 races as part of his preparations for at the historic circuit on May 16-17, posted a message of condolence on social media.
鈥淪hocked by what happened today. Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be,鈥� Verstappen wrote on Instagram. 鈥淪ending my heartfelt condolences to Juha鈥檚 family and loved ones.鈥�
A minute鈥檚 silence will be held in memory of Miettinen during the grid formation for Sunday鈥檚 race.
Running nearly 13 miles (20.8 kilometers) through wooded German hills, with more than 150 corners and barriers often close to the track, the Nordschleife layout at the N眉rburgring is known for high-risk thrills. F1 hasn鈥檛 used it since 1976, when then-reigning champion Niki Lauda suffered severe burns in a crash.
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