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A top racing driver was killed today when his Aston Martin spun off the track at Le Mans.

Allan Simonsen, 34, was fatally injured in the high-speed crash.

His car hit a safety barrier, demolishing the car on the fourth lap of the endurance race at the Tertre Rouge bend.

Simonsen was reported to be awake and talking with medics, but was taken to the hospital where he later died.

The cause of the crash in western France is being investigated.

The Dane was racing at 24 hour Le Mans race for the seventh time. Simonsen was part of the Aston Martin Racing team.

(Image: Reuters)

A spokesman for the Le Mans organisers said: “In a serious condition, Allan Simonsen was transferred immediately to the Circuit Medical Centre where he died soon after due to his injuries.

“His family has been informed immediately by David Richards, principal of Aston Martin Racing.

“The Automobile Club de l’Ouest wishes to express its great sadness following this incident, and extends its deepest condolences to the family and those close to Allan Simonsen.”

His death is the first Le Mans 24 Hours fatality since Sebastien Enjolras was killed in an accident during pre-qualifying heats in 1997.