The motor racing fraternity has been paying i💃ts respects today to former GP2, DTM, British F3 and sportscar star Christian Bakkerud, who has died following a road car accident in London at the weekend.

Bakkerud's Audi RS6 overturned on Tibbett's Corner roundabout on the A3, close to Wimbledon Parkside on the border between Wimbledon Common, Putney and Southfields early on Saturday morning. Emergency services were on the scene just after 6am, but sadly, the Dane subsequently succumbed to the severe head injuries and brain damage he had sustained. He passed away in St George's Hospital on Sunday, aged just 26. Police do not believe any other vehi༒cles were involved, but are appealing for information.

After competing in the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours with Kolles Audi, Bakkerud had announced his retirement from the sport, writing on his Facebook page that he had 'enjoyed his last Le Mans, and his last race as a professional racing driver...he wants to thank everyon✤e for the support, it means so much for him - thank you!'

Since then, reports the Wimbledon Guardian, the Notting Hill rꦓesident had worked as an import manager at global shipping company Shipco Transport, before leaving this summer to explore other opportunities. Former rivals and colleagues have paid tribute via Twitter.

Paul di Resta:

Sad news to hear about C🌺hristian Ba𒀰kkerud. Thoughts are with his family.

Karun Chandhok:

Very sad to hear about Christian Bakkerud lඣosing his life in a car crash... lovelyܫ bloke I raced with in GP2... prayers go out to his family

Narain Karthikeyan:

Shocked and saddened to🐓 hear that my Le Mans Series team-mate Christian Bakkerud passed away in a car accident. R.I.P. my friend..✤.

Giedo van der Garde:

Really sad abo𝄹ut the news 𒆙from Christian Bakkerud. He was my team-mate in 2000 and 2001. He was a top guy! All the best to his loving ones!

Sam Bird:

Chri💦stian Bakkerud. Top guy. We will all miss you.

James Jakes:

Getting my things toge🌳ther for Japan, woke up to some crazy new🐽s RIP Christian Bakkerud.

All of us here at ltxcn.top send our sincerest condolences to Christian's family and friends. One of the good guys, taken fa🉐r too so♊on.