Sabine Schmitz: Top Gear working on tribute to legendary driver who died after long cancer battle

Sabine was known for being part of some of the most well known segments of the most popular Top Gear incarnation alongside Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

Sabine featured in two segments on the series in the mid-2000s. The first sae Jeremy trying to beat a time of 10:00 on the fearsome Nurburgring racetrack in Germany, and he enlisted track expert Sabine Schmitz to help him.

After Jeremy succeeded in a time of 9:59, Sabine remarked 'I could beat that time in a VAN!', which gave rise to another segment the following series in which Richard Hammond challenged Sabine to make good on her word.

Because of the success of the segment, Sabine was later invited back and featured as a host in episodes of the rebooted Top Gear, post Clarkson, Hammond and May.

A spokesman for the Nurburgring said on Wednesday morning: "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!"

Jeremy Clarkson added: "Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans."

On Sunday night, a message for Sabine was listed in Top Gear's credits. It read: "We are dedicating this episode to our colleague Sabine Schmitz who sadly passed away during the week, after this episode was recorded.

"Production has already begun on an upcoming tribute to Sabine - with more information to follow on when and how you can watch it."