Gerhard Freundorfer, head of the Proton Huber Competition team, died this Tuesday morning in an accident at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This has been reported by the organization, a few days before the European Le Mans Series automobile championship begins.

In the statement released by the Barcelona circuit, the incident occurred in the paddock area, while Freundorfer was working on his team truck during the setup of the event. “He was treated quickly by the medical staff, but unfortunately he died due to his injuries,” declared the Barcelona track’s communication team.

“From the Circuit we deeply regret this loss and we want to send our deepest condolences to all of Gerhard’s family, friends and the entire paddock of the European Le Mans Series,” said Josep Lluís Santamaría, general director of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Frederic Lequien, CEO of the European Le Mans Series, has also expressed his deepest condolences to the family and team of the deceased on behalf of the competition team. Likewise, Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, has regretted what happened to a “very well-known” component of the paddock.