The car seemed to be in a thousand pieces Eye-witness

The 80,000 spectators, who were informed of the accident via loudspeaker some two hours later, were stunned by the news.

They spontaneously rose to their feet in silent tribute.

The only witness to the accident was a track marshal who said: "I was horror-struck. Everything happened so fast. The car skidded off to the left and seemed to dive through the fence only 10 yards (9.14m) from me.

"It went skidding and somersaulting across the grass and hit a tree with a tremendous thump.

"The car seemed to be in a thousand pieces."

'Hell of a gap'

The 32-year-old farmer from Scotland, who was not married, had been involved in several spectacular accidents during his 15-year career but had never suffered serious injury.

Tributes poured in from around the world as the news of Jim Clark's death was spread.

Fellow racing driver Graham Hill, who was in the same race, said Jim Clark's death "leaves a hell of a gap in the racing scene".

He added: "For me as well as for thousands of others, it means the loss of a friend."

Jackie Stewart, also a racing driver, said: "Jimmy's death is probably the most tragic thing in my experience of motor-racing - probably in the history of motor-racing.

"Jimmy was not only a famous driver, he was an international personality, loved by all his fiercest rivals."

Clark's body is due to be flown back to Scotland later today. His funeral is expected to take place Wednesday in Chirnside, near his home.

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