Rolf Stommelen

Rolf Johann Stommelen (born 11th July, 1943 in Siegen, Germany, died 24th April, 1983 at Riverside International Raceway, California, USA) was a German racing driver best known for his appearances in Formula One.

Formula One

1977-1978: ATS

Stommelen signed for the German ATS Racing Team in 1977, racing the European season alongside Finnish gentleman driver Mikko Kozarowitzky. His best result in the ATS was eleventh in the French Grand Prix.

Stommelen remained with the team in 1978, with fellow German Hans Heyer joining him this time. Stommelen suffered an injury in a heavy accident at the Canadian Grand Prix which saw him ruled out of racing until mid-1979. ATS opted to not continue their relationship.

Death

Stommelen died in 1983 at the age of 39, when taking part in a IMSA GT race at Riverside International Raceway. Stommelen was piloting a Porsche 935 alongside Derek Bell when the rear wing structure failed and sent him somersaulting into a wall at 190mph, before catching fire. Stommelen died shortly after due to severe head injuries.