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
The news we would have never wanted to give, and that unfortunately we are forced to share with all of you. After nearly two months battling against Covid, Fausto Gresini has sadly passed away, few days after turning 60. #CiaoFausto❤️ pic.twitter.com/mHMsDgunmb
— Gresini Racing (@GresiniRacing) February 23, 2021
I am so saddened at the news of Fausto Gresini. The MotoGP community has lost a great man, all our thoughts are with family, friends and colleagues.
May you Rest In Peace 🙏 #FaustoGresini— Casey Stoner (@Official_CS27) February 23, 2021
Hoy es un día triste para toda la familia del motociclismo. Todo mi ánimo a los familiares, amigos y @GresiniRacing. DEP Fausto 🙏🏼
Today is a sad day for the whole motorcycle family. All my encouragement to family, friends and @GresiniRacing. RIP Fausto 🙏🏼#CiaoFausto https://t.co/EjBug2Yhji— Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93) February 23, 2021
YMC, YMR, and the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team are deeply saddened by the passing of two-time 125cc World Champion, MotoGP team owner and colleague, and dear friend Fausto Gresini. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and the Gresini Racing team. #CiaoFausto pic.twitter.com/dsje0L01r4
— Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP (@YamahaMotoGP) February 23, 2021
Our thoughts are with those close to Fausto Gresini, a talented rider, an accomplished team owner and a great man.
Rest in Peace Fausto #CiaoFausto
— Repsol Honda Team (@HRC_MotoGP) February 23, 2021
We are truly saddened to hear that Fausto Gresini has passed away. Our condolences and thoughts are with his family, team and all those close to him.
The paddock just isn’t going to be the same without you. #CiaoFausto https://t.co/3dV3231pzG
— PETRONAS SRT (@sepangracing) February 23, 2021
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Fausto Gresini. Our sincere condolences to his family, his team and all those that were close to one of the stalwarts of the MotoGP family. RIP Fausto.#CiaoFausto https://t.co/YTapCAWn5a
— Yamaha Racing (@yamaharacingcom) February 23, 2021
DEP Fausto 🙏🏼🖤 Gracias por todo lo que has aportado al motociclismo.
RIP Fausto 🙏🏼🖤 Thanks for all that you have contributed to motorcycling.#CiaoFausto pic.twitter.com/EzYD7S2rlb— Alex Márquez (@alexmarquez73) February 23, 2021
We are sorry to announce a big lost of our industry.
Rest In Peace the great Fausto Gresini, our best wishes to his family and team.#CiaoFausto ❤️ https://t.co/WDeGl6Ct5P
— MotorLand Aragón (@AragonMotorLand) February 23, 2021
We will miss you, Fausto. Our condolences to family and friends, all the @GresiniRacing team and MotoGP family. Rest in peace. #CiaoFausto https://t.co/gFkAx0wwvX
— Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (@Circuitcat_eng) February 23, 2021
The paddock has lost a great guy and big character! My thoughts are with Fausto’s friends and family. 🙏🏼 #CiaoFausto pic.twitter.com/jNqoTWbidw
— Alex Lowes (@alexlowes22) February 23, 2021
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Fausto.#CiaoFausto #Gresini pic.twitter.com/kWMXWpo4nm
— Mugello Circuit (@MugelloCircuit) February 23, 2021
Very saddened to hear that Fausto Gresini passed away. Sincere condolences to his family, friends and team at this difficult time.
Rest in peace, #CiaoFausto ♥️ https://t.co/ck49sC7ToO
— Red Bull KTM Ajo (@RedBull_KTM_Ajo) February 23, 2021
Terrible sad news, #CiaoFausto. My thoughts go out to his family, friends and the team. R.I.P. 🙏 https://t.co/sf6ocs2oS6
— Marcel Schrötter (@MarcelSchrotter) February 23, 2021
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