JWRC: Burkart to race on despite co-pilot's death.

Junior World Rally Championship driver, Aaron Burkart has confirmed that he will still compete at the Rallye de France-Tour de Corse next weekend, despite the tragic death of his co-driver, Jorg Bastuck on the Rally Catalunya.

Speaking for the first time since the accident, Burkart added that Bastuck's parents and wife have urged him to continue.

"I'm going to carry on. Jorg's parents and his wife encouraged me in this decision," confirmed the OMV backed driver. "We all are passionate about this sport. It was also Jorg's great passion and that is why I will compete in Corsica. During the next days we'll see who my co-driver will be. But Jorg will still be beside me for a very long time."

Bastuck was killed on SS2 on Friday last week, when he was hit by the Ford Fiesta of Barry Clark, as he was changing a wheel on his Citroen C2. Burkart and Bastuck were attending to their car after going off the road on the first run through the El Montmell stage.

"We skidded off the road during a left turn on the second special stage of leg one, about four metres down an embankment," Burkart explained. "When our car came to a halt we were both unharmed. We got out and discovered that we would be able to get back onto the stage by way of an old dirt road after we had changed the tyres.

"On the side our car was protected by a tree - so we got to work. Jorg took off his crash helmet in order to better overhear the engines of approaching cars - each time this happened we sought protection on the side behind the tree. As I was tightening the nuts on the left front wheel I heard a loud crash. When I looked up a second car was leaning against ours, only slightly overlapping. This car had hit a tree up on the stage, overturned and then crashed into our car with its rear end. Jorg had just been storing the damaged tyre into our trunk and was therefore right between the cars - we just hadn't heard this car approaching.

"The other two drivers were unhurt. Together we pushed away the car and I gave first aid until the ambulance arrived. The helicopter couldn't land directly at the spot of the accident - therefore the ambulance took Jorg to the nearest possible landing place from where he was flown to the hospital. But despite immediate medical attendance he succumbed to his severe injuries."

Burkart, who is obviously still in mourning, was grateful for all the support he and the team received, with the FIA, the organisers and his fellow competitors all there to try and help.

"The team was supported by all different sides," he continued. "I really don't know where to start. FIA and ISC immediately made the team doctor of the Junior WRC available to us. The organisers arranged for a diligent translator for all official procedures, the ADAC Saarland flew in Jorg's parents. Whether team manager, Jurgen Bertel or fellow drivers - virtually everybody was there for us and offered help and support.

"Jorg's parents were flown in, his wife was on site. Being able to talk with them was especially important to me. It's unbelievable how people find an incredible strength within them in an almost supernatural way when such a tragic accident happens."

As for Bastuck himself, Burkart paid this emotional tribute to his former friend: "Jorg was not only socially active in his work, but also he was always thoughtful of the well-being of his family and friends. One of his biggest passions was rallying - and he had been so looking forward to this season of the Junior WRC. He regarded this sport as a challenge, where professionals are at work. And Jorg was just such a professional - one who has left us far too early..."