Formula 1 star Fernando Alonso has led the tributes after two rally drivers racing in Spain’s Villa de Tineo race were killed in a horrifying accident. Spanish rally driver Julio Cesar Castrillo and co-driver Francisco Javier Alvarez both died from their injuries after colliding with a tree at a high speed in the Asturias region.
The pair were driving a Citroen DS3 N5 car in the penultimate stage of the race when they lost control and smashed into a tree away from the track, leaving their car in a wreck.
It is reported that both men lost their lives shortly after the incident, which led to the rest of the event being suspended by race officials on the second day of the rally event. The pair were from Oviedo and have been described as two legends of the sport with more than 20 years’ experience.
Alonso, a two-time world champion in F1, is one of motorsport’s most recognisable figures having also raced in other categories such as Le Mans and Indy 500.
And the 41-year-old – who was injured in a cycling accident last year – decided to pay tribute to his compatriots after learning of their deaths on Saturday.
Tweeting from his official account in Spanish, he said: “How sad for all of the motor racing family to know what happened in the Villa de Tineo Rally. Condolences and all of my love to the families of Julio Cesar Castrillo and Francisco Javier Alvarez. Rest in peace.”
Carlos Sainz, the father of F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr and one of the longest serving rally drivers in the sport, joined Alonso in writing a message of support.
“Another sad day for the rally family,” Sainz Sr wrote. “My deepest condolences to the families of Julio César Castrillo and Francisco Javier Álvarez.
“Our sport sometimes reminds us how hard it can be.”
The president of Asturias, Adrian Barbon, confirmed that both drivers had passed away and offered his condolences after it was agreed to bring an end to proceedings on the final day of the two-day event.
“Very saddened by the news of the death of the pilot Julio Cesar Castrillo and his co-pilot, Francisco Javier Álvarez, during the dispute of the penultimate stage of the day Rally Villa de Tineo,” Barbon said.
“My deepest condolences to their families and friends.
“I have just spoken with the Mayor of Tineo, Jose Ramon Feito. A lot of pain with this terrible news, which leaves us all sunk. I am truly sorry.”
It comes just days after Hyundai driver Craig Breen, a racer in the World Rallying Championship, passed away on Thursday.
