The Frenchman was a five-time world champion, one of the incredibly strong SERT squad that has dominated the series in recent years, taking wins with them in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and last year in 2016. They also currently lead the current championship after winning the opening round at the Bol d’Or in September.

The 35-year-old crashed this morning around 11am at the Circuit Paul Armagnac, and was taken to hospital where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.