Danish driver dies in Le Mans crash

Allan Simonsen first fatality at endurance race in 27 years

Danish driver Allan Simonsen, racing for Britain's Aston Martin, died today in an accident during the early stages of the 90th anniversary running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Simonsen was the first fatality during the renowned endurance race for 27 years. He was 34.

Simonsen had qualified on pole in his class, the GTE Am category of race-prepared road cars, and was expected to finish strongly. After nine minutes of racing and on the fourth lap, his Aston Martin came off the track at high speed at the Tertre Rouge corner. Witnesses reported that Simonsen was approaching the corner and slowed to avoid a decelerating Ferrari before leaving the track and hitting the crash barriers. The race was immediately yellow-flagged and safety cars deployed.

Simonsen was treated at the scene of by staff from race organizers Automobile Club de l'Ouest's medical service who transferred him to the Circuit Medical Center where he died.

Allan Simonsen was 34 (File photo)Media reports said he was conscious and talking to doctors immediately following the accident.

Aston Martin Racing head John Gaw said in a statement: "On behalf of all of us at Aston Martin Racing, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the individuals, and families whose friends or loved ones were involved in today's terrible tragedy."

Simonsen had taken part in seven Le Mans 24 Hours races.

His co-drivers were fellow Danes Christoffer Nygaard and Kristian Poulsen.

Automobile Club de l'Ouest said in a staement that no further information will be released "while the exact reasons for the accident are still being determined".

Simonsen's family was informed of his death by Aston Martin. The team said it would continue racing with the family's consent.

A statement from the team read: "At the specific request of his family, the team will continue to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in tribute to Allan."




  • Today is 10 years from Copenhagen terrorist attack

    Today is 10 years from Copenhagen terrorist attack

    On February 14 and 15, the last terrorist attack took place in Denmark. Another episode occurred in 2022, but in that case, there was no political motive behind it

  • Enter Christiania: how the Freetown works

    Enter Christiania: how the Freetown works

    We all know Christiania and have been there at least once. But how does the Freetown work? How are decisions made? Can a person move there? Is there rent or bills to pay? British journalist Dave Wood wrote a reportage on Christiania for The Copenhagen Post.

  • The struggles of Asian women in Denmark’s labour market

    The struggles of Asian women in Denmark’s labour market

    Isha Thapa unfolds her research “An Analysis on the Inclusivity and Integration of South Asian Women in High-Skilled Jobs within the Danish Labor Market”. Thapa describes the systemic and social challenges these women face, ranging from barriers in social capital to cultural integration.

  • Parents in Denmark reject social media monitoring 

    Parents in Denmark reject social media monitoring 

    Most parents in Denmark reject using social media parental controls despite knowing about them. A new study questions the effectiveness of these tools in ensuring children’s online safety.

  • Analysis: we need a different education system for international children in Denmark

    Analysis: we need a different education system for international children in Denmark

    Data analyst Kelly Draper Rasmussen highlights that Denmark sees peaks in international migration during early childhood and high school years. However, with only one international education option, many families are forced to leave to secure different opportunities for their children.

  • Danish Refugee Council to lay off up to 2,000 staff

    Danish Refugee Council to lay off up to 2,000 staff

    After the anticipation from The Copenhagen Post, a press release by DRC has confirmed the plan to lay off thousands of employees in response to the recent halt of foreign aid spending by the Trump administration.