The first hour of today's Le Mans 24 Hour race was marred by a huge accident for Audi's Scottish driver Allan McNish.

McNish had enjoyed a superb start from fifth on the grid to be running second shortly before the hour mark when he clipped the number 58 GTE Pro Ferrari of Anthony Beltoise while attempting to lap the back marker as the cars headed down towards the Esses, crashing violently into the barriers.