Ex-BTCC driver Frank Sytner is in hospital after suffering a heart attack at the wheel of his Lola T70 at the Donington Historic Festival on Saturday.

Sytner’s car was heard lifting off the throttle as it approached McLean’s corner, however no attempt was made to turn or slow the car down and the Lola went into the barriers quite heavily. Marshals and doctors performed CPR on the scene and Sytner was taken to Derby hospital where he remains this evening in a medically induced coma, however his condition is reported to be stable.

Sytner’s Lola suffered extensive damage, though the crash structure stood up to the impact and no further injuries have been reported to the driver.

The 66-year-old had previously undergone heart bypass surgery five years ago and reportedly looked “well” on the morning before the accident.

After retiring from the BTCC in the early-1990s, Frank Sytner set up a number of BMW dealerships before returning to the track to race historic Grand Prix and Sportscars.