James Allison takes break after death of wife

James Allison, technical director of Ferrari sits on the pit wall during day four of F1 winter testing at Circuit de Catalunya on March 4, 2016
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James Allison is spending some time away from Formula 1 as he mourns the recent death of his wife, it has emerged.

James Allison is spending some time away from Formula 1 as he mourns the recent death of his wife, it has emerged.

On his wife Rebecca's Facebook page, the 48-year-old Briton confirmed to friends and family last week that she died suddenly from meningitis.

"We at Ferrari are united with him and his family during this period of profound sorrow," said a statement from the team, where Allison is the technical director.

Speed Week reports that following Rebecca's death, Allison returned home to Britain. Normally, he commutes between Britain, where his wife lived with their three children, and his work in Italy.

It was reported in February that Allison actually did not plan to travel to all the grands prix in 2016, after Ferrari signed up Jock Clear to head track operations.

Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Ferrari looks on as he sits in the garage during final practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 5, 2015
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