SCOTTISH former Formula One drivers David Coulthard and Allan McNish have paid tribute to a British racing driver who died after his Porsche burst into flames during a training session.

Former McLaren star Coulthard described his shock at the death of Sean Edwards, 26, who drove in the Porsche Super Cup series after the crash at ­Queensland Raceway in Australia yesterday.

Edwards, who lived in Monaco but was originally from London, was taking part in a two-day coaching session for young drivers.

He was the son of 1970s Formula One driver Guy Edwards, who saved Niki Lauda from his burning Ferrari in 1976, and recently played his father in the movie Rush.

The driver of the car, a 20-year-old Australian man, is being treated in hospital for severe injuries and burns.

Coulthard tweeted: "Top man and super talented racer, condolences to his nearest and dearest."

Multiple Le Mans 24 Hours winner McNish, who is close to Guy Edwards, said: "This was a breakthrough year for him. He was showing what talent he had, but had maybe never had the opportunity to actually display it. He was just a really nice young guy who was making his mark on the sport, and socially a good guy to be around."