F1 race winner Jochen Mass dies aged 78

One-time F1 race winner Jochen Mass has passed away aged 78 his family have confirmed.

German racer Mass took part in 105 F1 grands prix between the 1973 British and 1982 French Grands Prix, winning in 1975 in Spain.

This was the tragic race where an accident killed five spectators, with Mass declared the winner in his McLaren machine. 

The race, for which the 50th anniversary recently passed, is also famous for the fact that Lella Lombardi became the first, and only, female driver to score a point, albeit halved due to the shortened race distance. 

Mass, who also won the 1989 Le Mans 24 Hours, was taken ill at the end of March with a medical emergency, and has now passed away.

"Today we mourn the loss of a husband, father, grandfather and a racing legend," read the family's statement.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Jochen Mass has died today due to complications following a stroke he suffered in February, earlier this year.

"Thank you to everyone for the incredible support we have received. Every single message of positivity was relayed to him, giving him peace and comfort in his last days.

"Beyond mourning his death, we also celebrate his incredible life. A life that he loved sharing with all of you. A life that he lived to the absolute fullest.

"He is racing with all his friends again."