(Reuters) - French motorcycle rider Anthony Delhalle, a five-times endurance world champion, died after a crash in private testing at the Nogaro circuit in south-west France on Thursday, Le Mans organisers said.
The 35-year-old Suzuki rider had been preparing for the Le Mans 24 Hours motorcycle race in April.
"He is a part of the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours Moto and will be sadly missed by his endurance racing family," said Automobile Club de l'Ouest president Pierre Fillon in a statement.