Racing driver and Top Gear star Sabine Schmitz has died, aged 51.

Racing driver and Top Gear star Sabine Schmitz has died, aged 51.

The German, widely known as the “Queen of the Nürburgring”, had suffered a long illness with cancer.

A statement issued by the famous German racetrack said: “The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.

“Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!”

The death of Schmitz, who regularly featured on BBC One show Top Gear, prompted an outpouring of tributes.

Former presenter of the show, Jeremy Clarkson, who appeared alongside her in a number of episodes, said: “Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.”

Current presenter Paddy McGuinness said: “She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race.

“Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz.”