Peugeot co-driver Park killed during Wales Rally GB

The 39-year-old Englishman, co-driver of Markko Martin, suffered fatal injuries after their car hit a tree during the 27-kilometer (17-mile) 15th stage of the rally.

Organizers later canceled the remaining two stages of the race.

"It is with deep regret that the organizers of Wales Rally GB confirm that Michael Park (39) of Newent, Gloucestershire, UK, co-driver in car number eight has been fatally injured following an accident in special stage 15. The next of kin has been informed," organizers said in a statement. "The driver of car number eight, Markko Martin, is uninjured."

Citroen's Sebastien Loeb was named winner of the rally, from Subaru's Petter Solberg and Peugeot's Marcus Gronholm respectively.

"Markko Martin left the route shortly after the start of the second stage of the day and hit a tree on the right hand side of the car, mortally wounding his co-driver Michael Park," Peugeot said in a statement.

"Peugeot Automobiles and Peugeot Sport would like to express their feeling of extreme sadness and deep emotion to the family of Michael Park, known affectionately as 'Beef."'

Park had been Martin's co-driver since 2000 and the pair had won five world rallies together.

181104 sep 05GMT