Mustang
09-18-2005, 03:34 AM
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40814000/jpg/_40814036_park203.jpg
Co-driver Park dies in accident
Michael Park
Park first partnered Martin in 2000
Michael Park, co-driver for Markko Martin, has died after an accident on stage 15 of Wales Rally GB.
Initial reports said Martin's Peugeot crashed heavily into a tree on Park's side during the 17-mile Margam stage.
Organisers confirmed at 1045 BST that the 39-year-old from Gloucestershire, suffered fatal injuries.
The stage was halted immediately and will not be resumed. The second run through the Margam leg, scheduled to be the last stage, was also cancelled.
Police sealed off the stage, as is normal practice in such a situation, and began investigations.
A statement from the organisers said: "It is with deep regret that we confirm that Michael Park was fatally injured following an accident on special stage 15.
"The next of kin has been informed. The driver of car number eight, Markko Martin, is uninjured."
Park, nicknamed 'Beef', was a highly-experienced co-driver who had worked with former champions Richard Burns and Colin McRae.
He first began rallying on the world championship circuit in 1994 as Mark Higgins' co-driver.
Park teamed up with Martin in 2000 when the Estonian was rallying a privately-entered Toyota.
They stayed together at Subaru and Ford before moving to Peugeot this year.
Co-driver Park dies in accident
Michael Park
Park first partnered Martin in 2000
Michael Park, co-driver for Markko Martin, has died after an accident on stage 15 of Wales Rally GB.
Initial reports said Martin's Peugeot crashed heavily into a tree on Park's side during the 17-mile Margam stage.
Organisers confirmed at 1045 BST that the 39-year-old from Gloucestershire, suffered fatal injuries.
The stage was halted immediately and will not be resumed. The second run through the Margam leg, scheduled to be the last stage, was also cancelled.
Police sealed off the stage, as is normal practice in such a situation, and began investigations.
A statement from the organisers said: "It is with deep regret that we confirm that Michael Park was fatally injured following an accident on special stage 15.
"The next of kin has been informed. The driver of car number eight, Markko Martin, is uninjured."
Park, nicknamed 'Beef', was a highly-experienced co-driver who had worked with former champions Richard Burns and Colin McRae.
He first began rallying on the world championship circuit in 1994 as Mark Higgins' co-driver.
Park teamed up with Martin in 2000 when the Estonian was rallying a privately-entered Toyota.
They stayed together at Subaru and Ford before moving to Peugeot this year.