French Helicopter Crash

[Wizzo]

A personal friend of Fernando Alonso was among the two F1-related people who were killed in the helicopter crash near Magny Cours on Saturday night.

It emerges that personnel for F1's tyre supplier Bridgestone were aboard the aircraft but escaped death, and are currently recuperating with unspecified serious injuries in hospitals in Nevers and Dijon.

"I apologise for being brief but my thoughts today were with those who were involved in (the) accident. It was difficult to concentrate on the race," the Japanese marque's Kees van de Grint said on Sunday.

Alonso's friend was Emmanuel Longobardi, who worked on public relations for Quiksilver, a sportswear clothing brand. It is believed that Spaniard Alonso, who finished seventh in the French grand prix wearing a black armband, had spoken with Longobardi just hours before the crash at 8pm.

Also killed was a member of the F1 clothing company Alpinestars, while Nicolas Duqesne and his niece Chloe survived, although their condition is not known.

I'm sure you will join me in sending our deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragic accident.

[Ian]

Sure will Wiz, that was bad news, read it in paper today.

[Dare]

thoughts from Alonso

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070703102330.shtml

[cosworth151]

I hadn't heard about it until I saw it on line yesterday. I pray for a quick recovery for Duqesne and his niece.

[johnbull]

Nando spoke about it in an interview with the Italian TV commentator just before the start on Sunday.

He seemed pretty shattered about it and said he would offer the race for his friend.