GT driver Juha Miettinen has died following a multi-car crash in the Nurburgring Qualifiers.

Max Verstappen, who is participating in the event at the Nurburgring Nordschleife this weekend, expressed his shock over the accident and sent condolences to the 66-year-old’s family.

The event organisers confirmed six other drivers suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash. The qualifying race was cancelled and will not be restarted.

“Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations,” said the Nurburgring 24 Hours organisers in a statement. “Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen, after he had been extracted from the vehicle; the driver died at the medical centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.

“The other six drivers involved were taken to the Medical Centre and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations. None of the injured are in a life-threatening condition. The race will not resume on Saturday evening. The thoughts of everyone involved in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring are with the bereaved family of Juha Miettinen.”

Miettinen was driving a BMW 325I run by Keeevin Motorsport, and shared with team mate Dan Berghult.

Verstappen is participating in the event following the cancellation of Formula 1’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which was due to take place this weekend. In a social media post he said he was “shocked by what happened today.”

“Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be,” he added.

“Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.”

Today’s race at the Nordschleife is due to go ahead at 1pm, following a minute’s silence in memory of Miettinen.

The Nurburgring Qualifiers sets part of the grid for next month’s Nurburgring 24 Hours, which Verstappen is also due to compete in.

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Keith Collantine

Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 – when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring journalist, Keith began running the site full-time in 2010, achieving a long-held ambition to dedicate his full attention to his passion for motor racing. View all posts by Keith Collantine