Ferrari Technical Director James Allison has returned home to Britain following the death of his wife, Rebecca.

Allison, who was in the process of returning from Australia, has returned straight home to Britain after receiving word of the passing of his wife.

Ferrari were returning home from a promising opening round that saw the team lead 1-2 in the early stages before finishing on the podium with Sebastian Vettel.

The couple, who have three children together, split their time between the UK & Italy due to the Englishman’s high profile job with Scuderia Ferrari.

Rebecca is understood to have been suffering from meningitis.

In a statement from Ferrari, the team said:

“Our colleague James Allison has suffered the sudden loss of his beloved wife Rebecca. We at Ferrari are united with him and his family during this period of profound sorrow.”

No further details have been made available.

FormulaSpy expresses our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mr. Allison and the family and friends of Rebecca.

SOURCE: Formula Spy