MotoGP paddock mourns loss of team boss Gresini
Tributes to double 125cc world champion and veteran team boss Fausto Gresini have flooded in from the MotoGP paddock following his tragic death on Tuesday.
Gresini was taken ill with COVID-19 just before Christmas and was hospitalised on 27 December in Imola, before being transferred to a specialist COVID care ward in Bologna.
On Tuesday, the Gresini team announced the Italian had lost his two-month battle with COVID at the age of 60.
Dorna Sports’ CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta led tributes to Gresini, stating on Tuesday morning: "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."
Avintia MotoGP rider Enea Bastianini raced with Gresini for the first three years of his grand prix career from 2014-2016, winning two races.
In a brief post on social media, the Italian said Gresini was “like a father” to him.
“Thank you for everything you did for me,” Bastianini wrote.
“In my first three years in the world championship you were like a father, you made me grow a lot as a rider and as a person.
“I will never forget you, I love you. RIP.”
Honda World Superbike rider Alvaro Bautista, who raced for Gresini for five years in MotoGP from 2012-2016 added: “All my condolences to [his] family and friends.
“Thank you for doing so much to motorcycling. Say hellow to all those who are no longer with us. A hug [for my] friend.”
The Tech 3 team says the “paddock owes him a lot” for his efforts in helping mould MotoGP to what it is today.
“No words, devastated,” a Tech 3 statement on social media read.
“This is how we feel right now. We can’t believe we lost Fausto, an incredible partner, an incredible fighter, one of our big players.
“We shared so many tough and good moments together, we worked hard to bring MotoGP to where it is now; our paddock owes him a lot.
“Our deepest condolences to his family and the entire Gresini team.
“Thanks for what you’ve done, for what you’ve always been. Ciao Fausto.”
Pramac’s Jorge Martin, who won Gresini’s last world title in Moto3 in 2018, added: “Yesterday the worst was waiting for me and today it has arrived.
“I will always take you with me on the motorcycle. Rest in peace my friend.
“Fausto gave me the opportunity to have a competitive motorcycle and demonstrate things when nobody wanted me.
“He taught me passion for the motorcycle and how human a team owner could be. Thanks Fausto.”
Related video
Previous article
MotoGP boss Gresini dies after two-month long COVID battle
Next article
Marquez "never thought" MotoGP career was over after injury
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Author | Lewis Duncan |
Repsol Honda Team - Pol Espargaró Q&A
Repsol Honda Team - Marc Marquez Q&A
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Alex Marquez's form was one of MotoGP 2020's biggest surprises and, by firmly stepping out of his six-time world champion brother Marc's shadow, he proved a few people wrong. Not that he cares about this, as he tells Lewis Duncan
How Yamaha's new MotoGP era can unchain Vinales
After the electrifying start to his Yamaha MotoGP career in 2017, Maverick Vinales has struggled for consistency. Many anticipate that the arrival of Fabio Quartararo could spell disaster, but the departure of Valentino Rossi could be just the impetus he needs.
Does KTM really need 'super engine' for MotoGP title challenge?
Fears from rival MotoGP manufacturers that KTM would build a 'super engine' for 2021 have ultimately come to nothing with the revealation that the RC16 hasn't been radically changed over the winter. But does it really need that to win the title?
How Ducati's latest Aussie union can return it to MotoGP glory
Australians on Ducatis is an iconic partnership, the marque's last one yielding its sole MotoGP crown to date. But its latest Aussie union with the often underestimated Jack Miller can end this drought.
The "balls out" battle between MotoGP's true greats
Senna vs Prost is regularly cited as motorsport's greatest rivalry. But it can easily be argued Rainey vs Schwantz can stake that claim. That rivalry was in full swing during the 1991 500cc season, remembered fondly by both stars 30 years on...
The "warrior" MotoGP rookie KTM was right to back
The 2020 MotoGP campaign featured a standout pair of rookies, but one flew under the radar as he adjusted to a shock step-up armed with very little racing experience. However as his veteran team boss explains, the faith shown in him was not misplaced
Why Suzuki's Brivio replacement must come from within
With its charismatic leader Davide Brivio leaving for Formula 1, the Suzuki MotoGP squad he turned into a world championship-winning force in 2020 has a major recruitment headache that it needs to resolve carefully.
Why Alpine's latest signing could be its best hope of F1 glory
The return of Fernando Alonso to the renamed Alpine team is a sure sign of the team's ambition. But its latest appointment from MotoGP could be an even bigger coup as it seeks to end a barren run stretching back to Alonso's 2006 world title
