Stefan Raymond Pacitti, of Slade Meadow, had been working at automotive company Ricardo since last summer and was completing his placement year from Loughbourgh University before he died.

The 20-year-old was thrown from his red Alfa Romeo after it collided with a tree on the Fosse Way shortly after 12.30am between the Bowshot crossroads and the turning for Moreton Paddox.

Mr Pacitti, whose family are from Italy, was studying automotive engineering and had a passion for cars and driving.

Describing Stefan, his line manager Joern Behrenroth said: "He was helpful and had a real love of cars which is why I think he liked working here as it enabled him to learn more towards his degree.

"He was fun to be with and a real member of our team. We will miss working with him and asking for his help or advice. He lived in a student house with other graduates working for us and I'm sure they will miss him a lot."

Mr Behrenroth explained the company planned to sponsor the students' final year at university and had hoped Stefan would return to work for them once he had graduated.

He said: "It's a real shame because he was very young and would have been a great engineer and had a bright future ahead of him. It is tragic."

Ricardo managing director Bob Allsopp said. "Stefan was passionate about the course and he loved cars. It is a sad loss at such a young age."

Mr Allsopp said the loss had shocked the company and added: "It is a fairly tight-knit community here especially among the graduates and they are supporting each other and we are supporting them."