Sabine Schmitz, "Queen of the Nurburgring" and Top Gear presenter, dies aged 51

[David48atTD]

Former racing driver Sabine Schmitz, the "Queen of the Nürburgring" who was also a presenter on popular BBC program Top Gear, has died at the age of 51.

Key points:

• Schmitz revealed last year that she had been diagnosed with cancer in 2017
• She has been remembered as "a force of nature for women drivers"
• The BBC said the next episode of Top Gear would be dedicated to her

The German circuit announced on Wednesday that it had "lost its most famous female racing driver".

"Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine," it said on Twitter.

The German, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, grew up near the Nürburgring, a fearsome track which winds through the hills of western Germany.

Richard Hammond got the ride of his life when Sabine Schmitz drove him around the Nürburgring in a Ford Transit van.(Supplied: Top Gear)






Thanks for the memories ... R.I.P. Sabine

[Shutree]

She was fun to watch and such an accomplished driver. Respect.

RIP

[AntRobertson]

That is sad. Murray Walker also passed this week.

Not a great one for motorsport.

[Hugh Cow]

Loved sabine. What a good driver to watch really pushing the limits of a car and some real personality with it to boot. I would've rather watched her doing a decent car show than those three stooges. She seems to have at least got some fun living in that 51 years. RIP Sabine.