Sabine Schmitz: Top Gear legend Sabine Schmitz dies aged 51 after long battle with cancer with tribute from Jeremy Clarkson

Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson paid tribute to the German racing star who was involved in one of the classic series' most memorable episodes back in 2004.

Sabine first got involved in Top Gear when Jeremy Clarkson was tasked with setting a 10-minute lap on the mammoth German race track, the Nurburgring.

Sabine was on site to help bring Jeremy up to speed. But she was not impressed with his Jeremy's end result, exclaiming 'I could beat that time in a van!',.

In a later episode, Sabine then set about beating Jeremy's time in a stripped out van in what fans still remember as one of the classic series run's most entertaining high points.

Because of the success of the segment, Sabine was later invited back and featured 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."