A CHAMPION rally driver was nearly twice the drink-drive limit and speeding when he crashed into a tree and died, an inquest has heard.

Paul Choat, 39, was killed instantly when the high -performance Mercedes convertible he was driving left the A338 near Ringwood.

Southampton Coroners Court heard how Mr Choat, a three-times 4x4 off-road British rally champion, had drunk at least two bottles of cider during a pub meal and was driving to a nightclub when he lost control around a bend along a 40mph stretch of road at 12.20am on June 7.

The vehicle smashed through a signpost, gas box, telephone pole and a small tree before coming to rest against a large tree alongside the southbound A338 at Blashford.

PC Paul Townend, of Totton roads policing unit, said witness Abigail Reddin was overtaken by a speeding car as she drove with her boyfriend along the A338 and minutes later came across the wreck of the Mercedes SL350.

He told the court Miss Reddin said: "Oh my God, how fast was he going?"

She told police Mr Choat's car had "overtaken them so fast and close that it made the car shake".

Mr Choat, who ran the Verwood 4x4 and Mini Centre, was given the high -performance car by his insurance company while his vehicle was being repaired.

His partner Beverley McDonnell told police that he was a very good driver although "sometimes he did drive faster then he should".

She also said Mr Choat, of Green Lane, Fordingbridge, had drunk at least two bottles of cider and she did not know if he had drunk any more when he got home before driving alone to Bumbles nightclub in Bournemouth.

PC Townend said: "This tragic incident was as a result of the driver losing control of his vehicle on a right hand bend, leaving the road and resulting in the collision with a tree."

Forensic crash investigator PC Michaela Mehigan said: "I am aware that the driver of the vehicle was highly experienced and therefore the reason why he lost control is a matter of supposition.

"However, in my opinion, the fact that the driver's alcohol blood level was nearly twice the legal limit and the probable high speed of the vehicle were major contributing factors."

Deputy coroner Gordon Denson recorded a verdict of accidental death.