Sabine Schmitz, widely known as the 'Queen of the Nurburgring', passed away on Wednesday.
The 51-year-old had since 2017 been suffering with cancer, which she made public last year.
Schmitz will be best known in the UK for her cameo appearances on Top Gear, before being made a presenter.
She first joined Jeremy Clarkson on the BBC show in 2004, one of her highlights being completing the famous German circuit in a Ford transit van in a time of 10 minutes and eight seconds, just nine seconds slower than Clarkson in a Jaguar S-Type.
Schmitz became part of the presenting team when Chris Evans revamped the programme in 2016.
Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 17, 2021
Clarkson tweeted upon hearing the news: “Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.”
Abroad and in her homeland she remains the only female winner of the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.
The famous German race track social media accounts released a statement: "The Nurburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.
"Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!"
Adenau-born Schmitz's first triumph at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring came in 1996 with Johannes Scheid and Hans Widmann in the BMW M3.
She won again the following year with Scheid, Hans-Jurgen Tiemann and Peter Zakowski.
Schmitz later impressed with her own team Frikadelli Racing, which she had founded with her husband Klaus Abbelen.
Formula One paid tribute by saying on Twitter: "We are all deeply saddened to hear that Sabine Schmitz has passed away.
"An incredible talent and wonderful person who made us all smile. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time."
The FIA's Women in Motorsport commission added: "Such sad news about Sabine Schmitz, Queen of the Nurburgring. Our sincere condolences to all her family and friends."
