Promising junior driver calls time on racing career following Dilano Van ‘t Hoff fatality

Thomas Maher 12 Jul 2023 3:09 PM

KIC Motorsport's Oleksander Partyshev at spa, FRECA, July 2023.

FRECA racer Oleksander Partyshev has retired from motorsport with immediate effect, citing the death of Dilano van ‘t Hoff as a factor.

Partyshev was on the grid for the FRECA round at Spa-Francorchamps at the beginning of July, retiring from the race in which MP Motorsport driver Dilano van ‘t Hoff was involved in a fatal accident when he was struck by an oncoming car while invisible in the heavy spray down the Kemmel Straight.

18-year-old racer Van ‘t Hoff was confirmed dead shortly after, with his funeral being held in the Netherlands earlier this week – a ceremony at which FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem attended and gave an emotional speech to pay tribute to the fallen racer.

从赛车Oleksander Partyshev退休

Partyshev, who drove for KIC Motorsport in the FRECA Championship as a teammate of Shannon Lugassy and Ferrari junior Maya Weug, took to social media to announce his immediate retirement from racing.

“I regret to announce that I am bringing my career as a driver to a close,” he wrote.

“This decision weighs heavily upon me, as it represents a significant and poignant step in my life. However, circumstances, particularly the unfortunate events involving my dear friend Dilano Van’t Hoff, have compelled me to respond in this manner.”

Partyshev thanked all the individuals and teams he had worked with and raced for, as well as his family for giving him the support which has been the “bedrock of my journey”.

“As I bid farewell to this chapter of my life, I find solace in the fact that a deserving individual, Ivan Klymenko, has been granted the opportunity to step in and complete the season in my stead. I am genuinely thrilled for Ivan and wish him the very best as he embarks on this new chapter of his own racing career,” he continued.

“In closing, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to everyone who has played a role in shaping my journey as a driver. Your contributions, support, and unwavering belief in me have left an indelible mark on my heart. Though my time as a racing driver may be drawing to a close, the memories and experiences I have gained will forever be cherished. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. R.I.P Dilano.”

Both Klymenko and Weug posted their support for his decision, with Weug writing: “It was great getting to know you this year being teammates! All the best for the future!”

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Mohammed Ben Sulayem gives emotional speech at Dilano van ‘t Hoff’s funeral

At Van ‘t Hoff’s funeral on Tuesday, President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recounted his own experience of losing his son in a road traffic accident earlier this year as he bid farewell to the Dutch driver.

“To the Van ‘t Hoff family, we extend our deepest condolences and stand with you during this difficult time,” he said.

“May the memories you shared with Dilano provide solace and strength in the days ahead, Dilano van ‘t Hoff was a testament to the extraordinary strength that resides within the next generation of motorsport.

“Rest in peace, Dilano, your spirit will forever be part of the FIA family.

“Today, we gather here to bid farewell to Dilano van ‘t Hoff, a talented young driver who has left a mark on our hearts and also those of sport.

“So we will only say to him not just goodbye… as I said to you, I have been through this so I’m speechless. I came here as a father mainly, not as a sportsman.

“He will be remembered, and I again would say thanks to the family. God be with you and may his soul rest in peace. Thank you.”