Justin Wilson's funeral held in Northamptonshire as tributes flood in for ex-Formula One driver killed in IndyCar race last month

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The funeral of racing driver Justin Wilson has been held in the Northamptonshire village of Paulerspury
Hundreds of friends, family and motorsport fans were present to pay respects to the ex-Formula One driver
Wilson died from injuries sustained when he was struck by debris following a crash in an IndyCar race last month
F1 drivers paid tribute to Wilson at Italian Grand Prix last weekend, wearing stickers on their crash helmets

Published: 06:54 EST, 10 September 2015 | Updated: 11:09 EST, 10 September 2015

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Over 500 mourners attended the funeral of IndyCar driver Justin Wilson in Paulerspury, Northamptonshire on Thursday morning.

Ex-Formula One driver Mark Webber was among the pallbearers as Wilson's coffin, draped in the Union Flag and topped with a magnificent bouquet of white blooms, was carried into Saint James the Great Church.

The Yorkshireman died on August 24 from head injuries sustained when he was struck on the helmet by a large piece of debris following a crash during an IndyCar race at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania the previous day.

Pall-bearers carry the coffin of racing driver Justin Wilson before his funeral, including ex-Formula One driver Mark Webber (third left)

Over 500 mourners attended Wilson's funeral, held at St James the Great Church in the Northamptonshire village of Paulerspury

Justin Wilson's wife Julia (centre left) and his father Keith (centre right) arrive at the funeral service

A replica of Wilson's helmet is carried into the church at Paulerspury in Northamptonshire ahead of the funeral service

Wilson, who was 37, helped save six lives having chosen to donate his organs.

His funeral in the small Northamptonshire village near the Silverstone circuit was attended by hundreds of friends, family and motorsport fans. Among those present was former racing driver Sir Jackie Stewart.

The Sheffield-born racer's coffin was draped in the Union flag as it was carried into St James the Great Church. His wife Julia and two young daughters Jane and Jessica followed for the 45-minute service.

A poem written by Wilson's wife Julia entitled 'Today I washed you away' was delivered by Reverand Graham Buckle.

'Please give me the strength to carry on, please know I will always be your wife,' it read. 'It is not fair that you had such a short life. I love you every minute, every hour.

'Today I start my journey alone. I love you to the moon and back, now, forever and always. I will see you soon but not yet. Always, your little babe.'

Jonathan Palmer, the former Formula One driver, who played a prominent role in Wilson's career, read an 11-minute eulogy in his honour.

A message in memory of Wilson placed on the coffin in the hearse reads 'I feel so sad and I miss you'

Stefan Wilson, brother of Justin, is greeted by racing driver Dario Franchitti (centre) ahead of the funeral service

The order of service for Wilson's funeral bore a picture of Wilson wearing racing uniform and cap

'Today we have come together to say goodbye to a truly extraordinary man,' said Palmer, who helped launch Justin Wilson PLC, a crowd-funding scheme which attracted almost 1,000 shareholders to help Wilson realise his Formula One dream.

'A man who through talent and determination managed to be successful in his chosen career of motor racing but also a man whose wonderful character brought so much admiration and happiness to those around him.

'Justin was the innocent victim in a cruel twist of fate when he was hit by flying debris from an incident ahead. It still feels like a bad dream but tragically it is only too real.'

Wilson was cremated at a private ceremony before a reception was held at Silverstone where the flags flew at half mast.

Wilson will be cremated at a private service before a reception is held at Silverstone later on Thursday.

Sheffield-born Wilson competed in the 2003 F1 season where he raced for Minardi and Jaguar before moving to the United States to compete in the Champ Car World Series and the IndyCar Series.

The coffin of Justin Wilson sits in the hearse after his funeral at St James the Great Church in Paulerspury

Justin Wilson's coffin is carried by the pallbearers, including Dario Marino Franchitti (right)

Wilson, who was 37, died when he was struck on the helmet by debris following a crash during an IndyCar race on August 23

Five IndyCar drivers, led by Marco Andretti in Wilson's No 25 car, drove across the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco in tribute to him

Formula One drivers paid their respects to Wilson prior to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Sunday

The F1 community paid tribute to him at the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, holding a minute's silence prior to the race and by wearing stickers in his memory on their crash helmets.

Current world champion Lewis Hamilton led the tributes following his death, saying: 'I woke up this morning feeling positive in my heart until I read the news.

'I am so devastated to hear of another passing of a great man and driver. I'd met Justin Wilson a few times growing up and he was the ultimate gentleman.

'Whilst I only knew him a little, I will miss him. We will miss him. May God rest his soul and keep his hands over his family.'