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image from Peugeot.com

The drivers right hand man sits his co-driver, this is the remarkable statistics and history of Michael Park, born in Great Britain and married to Marie Park with two wonderful children. Firstly below, the Motorsport community pays their tribute:

The Wales Rally GB came to a premature end Sunday in tragic circumstances on the second stage of the day - SS15 - when Markko Martin's Peugeot was involved in an accident that fatally injured his British co-driver, Michael Park.

The rally was stopped and the two remaining stages were abandoned.

What follows is a selection of tributes made following that incident:

FIA:

"Following this morning's tragic accident, the FIA wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the family, friends and team-mates of Michael Park.

"As a mark of respect, there will be no champagne celebrations at the finish of Wales Rally GB and a minute's silence will be observed. The post-event FIA press conference has been cancelled."


Peugeot:

"Peugeot Automobiles and Peugeot Sport would like to express their feeling of extreme sadness and deep emotion to the family of Michael Park, known affectionately as 'Beef'.

"Peugeot Sport's director, Jean-Pierre Nicolas, with the agreement of Mr. Frederic Saint-Geours, managing director of Peugeot, has decided, as a sign of mourning, to withdraw the [sister] car of Marcus Gronholm and Timo Rautiainen."


Malcolm Wilson [BP-Ford World Rally Team - team director]:

"On behalf of the BP-Ford World Rally Team, I would like to express our heartfelt sympathies to the family of Michael Park - his wife, Marie, and children William and Victoria. The reality and shock of today's tragedy will take some time to sink in for all of us.

"During three seasons with Ford, Michael became part of the family. His ever cheerful and vibrant personality, even in the most adverse of circumstances, frequently lightened the tense atmosphere that often surrounds the WRC service park. He was rarely seen without a smile on his face and that's the way I will remember him. He learned his trade as a navigator and co-driver on local rallies and his path to the top of the sport was the result of nothing less than hard work. He forged a great partnership with Markko Martin and Michael's first world rally victory in Greece in 2003 was a proud moment for him. I will always appreciate the help and assistance he gave to my son, Matthew, and his co-driver Scott Martin. When they started competing, his advice was invaluable and after their accident this year he encouraged and inspired them to get back in a rally car. Rallying has lost the ultimate professional and ambassador and we have all lost a true friend. He will be sadly missed."


Jost Capito [Ford TeamRS – director]:

"On Ford's behalf, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Michael's family, friends and colleagues following today's dreadful tragedy. During his time at Ford, 'Beef', as he was affectionately known to everyone in the sport, became a friend of us all. He was the utmost professional, but never lost sight of the fact that despite the intensity and pressures of his job, rallying was fun. He reached the very top level of his profession, but still retained close links with his many friends and colleagues at grass roots level, with whom he first developed a passion for the sport. He will be sadly missed by everyone within the Ford team and far beyond, and needless to say all of us are distraught at today's events."


David Lapworth [Subaru World Rally Team - team principal]:

"On behalf of all of us at the Subaru World Rally Team, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Michael's family and loved ones after today's terrible tragedy. Michael was a member of our team in 2001 and as part of the WRC family he remained a close friend to all of us at Subaru. Today's accident is shocking and in the circumstances all the teams and drivers felt unable to continue."

Martin Muehlmeier [Skoda Motorsport - team boss]:

"On behalf of the team I must send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael Park."


Mitsubishi:

"The entire Mitsubishi Motors Motor Sports WRC Team extends its sincerest condolences to the family of Michael 'Beef' Park, a good friend to many members of its team, and to Peugeot Sport."


Michelin:

"The FIA World Rally Championship is this evening in mourning and everyone at Michelin Competition would like to offer their sincerest condolences to Michael 'Beef' Park's family and many friends."


Pirelli:

"Pirelli shares the profound sadness of Peugeot Sport, Markko Martin, and Michael Park's family following the death of Michael in an accident on SS15 of the Wales Rally Great Britain, round 12 of the World Rally Championship."


Fiorenzo Brivio [Pirelli - rally manager]:

"We are shocked and saddened by the tragic events of SS15. Michael was a brilliant co-driver and a popular personality. On behalf of everybody at Pirelli, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Michael's family, and everybody who knew him and had the privilege of working with him."


Claudio Bortoletto [Kome Sport]:

"Accidents like this are terrible and unpredictable and it is right to stop the race immediately. The whole Kome Sport team is close to the family of Michael Park and to the Peugeot Sport team."
 

Below you will find the results of this incredible journey loved by Michael Park.

World Rally Championship Results  

Other International Rally Results