Hamann founder dies at age 53

The founder of tuning company Hamann Motorsport, Richard Hamann, has passed away, aged 53.

A statement issued by his company said he passed away ‘after a long illness' and that the team will ‘honour his memory' and keep the company running.

Before launching the eponymous tuning firm - a firm that has created some of the most outlandish tuned motors we've ever seen - Hamann was an active racer with more than 20 years of motor sports experience, including 700 races and more than 300 podium finishes.

He scored 103 victories throughout his career, was a three-time winner of the Special Touring Car Trophy in a BMW M1 and raced in DTM and Formula 3.

Gallery: Hamann Motorsport cars