'Top Gear' are to air a special tribute to the late Sabine Schmitz.

Sabine Schmitz

Sabine Schmitz

The 51-year-old former presenter and racing legend tragically passed away last week at the age of 51, and producers of the BBC show have confirmed they are working on a fitting tribute to Sabine.

A statement released via 'Top Gear's official Twitter account explained that the most recent episode on Sunday (21.03.21) was recorded before news broke of Sabine's passing.

It read: "We are dedicating this episode to our colleague Sabine Schmitz who sadly passed away during the week, after this episode was recorded. Production has already begun on an upcoming tribute to Sabine – with more information to follow on when and how you can watch it."

Sabine, who passed away after a three-year battle with cancer, joined the BBC motoring show in 2016 alongside the likes of Chris Evans, Matt LeBlanc and Eddie Jordan.

She was known as the "Queen of Nürburgring" due to her familiarity with the German circuit.  

A tweet on the official Nürburgring Twitter account read at the time: "The Nürburgring 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!"

Last year, Sabine told fans she wasn't part of the Nürburgring Endurance Series because of her cancer battle.

She wrote on social media: "Dear friends of professional motor sport, many of you have probably wondered why I was on the list of participants on our Porsche in the NSL and then didn't drive after all. I would like to provide enlightenment here, I think I owe it to my/our fans!

"Since the end of 2017, I have been fighting an extremely persistent cancer that has not been eliminated with the resources so far. It got a little better – but now it's come back with full force. Now I have to draw all the strength and nerve to master the next powerful therapies … hoping something [good] will happen. So I say goodbye 'probably' for the first time this season.

"In addition, I would like to thank everyone for their help and support in my everyday life, and encouragement in writing! So sweethearts, now you have an update. Please stay healthy and cheerful, see you at the 'Ring. (sic)"

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