Yesterday Richard Lloyd and David Leslie were among 5 killed this weekend  as they were on their way to a test at Nogaro with the Apexmotorsport Jaguar XKR GT3 racecar.

Details of the crash here:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3649187.ece

I did not know David Leslie - but his driving accomplishments were well documented and his input into help setting up the XKR racecar was certainly appreciated by the team.

Richard was a terrific bloke - one of the real old school grandees of the motorsport scene - but still up for a challenge. Despite his previous achievements with his iconic 956 racecars, various Audi touring car projects and successful Bentley Le Mans programme - converting the XKR GT3 into a competitive proposition against eminently more suitable base machinery such as Ferrari 430's and the hordes of Porsches was a big task.

However after a challenging start last year Richard and his Apexmotorsport team made real progress with the car over the winter and at the Monza test last month the car was within a second of the quickest runner.

The test today at Nogaro was an FIA GT3 equalisation test - and there was real optimisim that the car could fight at the sharp end this year.

Richard's company Apex Motorsport - was a racecar customer and also Richard helped us out with some contacts on various projects.

We wish to extend our sincere condolences to all the families of those deceased in this accident.