Tributes flow after passing of Fausto Gresini

Jorge Martin celebrates with Fausto Gresini after winning the 2018 Moto3 world championship

The MotoGP paddock has moved to pay tribute to team owner and world champion rider Fausto Gresini, who has died after a fight with COVID-19.

Gresini himself twice won the 125cc championship, while Gresini Racing has picked up four titles across Moto2/125cc, Moto3, and MotoE since its foundation in 1997.

It was also denied the MotoGP riders’ crown for three years in a row by Valentino Rossi only, from 2003 to 2005.

MotoGP issued a statement a short time after Gresini Racing’s announcement, which read in part, “MotoGP and Dorna Sports are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Fausto Gresini.

“A two-time World Champion in the 125cc class and a key figure in the paddock as founder of the Gresini Team thereafter, the legendary Italian will be deeply missed.”

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta was able to speak to Gresini during the Italian’s nearly two-month hospital stay.

He commented, “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Fausto. He was a very good friend and I liked him a lot.

“I have been following the news on his condition closely and I was lucky enough to be able to speak to him even as he was in hospital.

“I am so very sorry to suffer a loss like this in the paddock and I want to send my deepest condolences to his family, friends and the members of his team.”

See below for more tributes from social media