Martin's co-driver dies in crash

  • 2005-09-18
CARDIFF 's Markko Martin's co-driver, Michael Park, died in a crash on Sunday when Martin's car crashed into a tree.

The accident took place on stage 15 of the Wales Rally.

Martin, an Estonian, was unhurt, while Park, 39, a British national, was pronounced dead in a hospital where he had been flown by helicopter.

Park, nicknamed 'Beef,' was a highly-experienced co-driver who started as co-driver for Mark Higgins and worked later with former champions Richard Burns and Colin McRae, the Baltic News Service reported. He had teamed up with Martin five years ago and eventually the two began driving a Peugeot this year during races.

The cancellation of remaining stages left Sebastien Loeb, Citroen's world champion, winner of the rally.