The loss of P. Bourne

Pirelli and the World of Motorsport Mourn the Loss of Possum Bourne

The death of legendary seven-time Australian Rally Champion, Possum Bourne, has been met with deep sadness around the world and particularly by his many friends at Pirelli Tyres Australia. Possum raced on Pirelli tyres for more than a decade.

His death follows a motor vehicle accident near Queenstown in New Zealand on Good Friday while attending the "Race For The Sky" hill climb event. The accident occurred as Possum was making his way down the mountain following a media conference. This was not a motor racing incident, but a tragic crash with another vehicle on a public road.

Possum leaves Peggy and the couple's three young children, daughter Jazlin, aged three, and sons, Taylor, eight and Spencer, four.

The family lives at Pukekohe, a small town on the southern outskirts of Auckland, New Zealand from where he ran Possum Bourne Performance Centre and Possum Bourne Motorsport.

Possum's company prepares all the cars for Subaru Rally Team Australia, including those of team-mates Cody Crocker and co-driver Greg Foletta, and Dean Herridge and co-driver Glenn Macneall.

Possum's remarkable career spans 24 years: he gained international recognition with his victories of three Asia-Pacific and seven Australian Rally Championships.