"On behalf of the entire community of UK motor sport, we send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Colin McRae and those involved in the accident.
"Colin was an inspiration to all who knew him and to millions around the world who knew of him. His energy, commitment and extraordinary talent brought him domestic and international success, while his uncompromising style and determination made him the hero of fans everywhere.
"Throughout a glorious career, that saw him rise from the grassroots of the sport to the pinnacle of the world stage, Colin was always a great ambassador for Scottish and UK motor sport. Since retiring from the WRC, he has continued to dedicate himself to the sport, in particular the development of the next generation of rally drivers and co-drivers.
"He will be sorely missed by everyone and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Notes:
Colin McRae was British Rally Champion in 1991 and 1992 and in 1994 became the first Briton to win Rally GB for 18 years (since Roger Clark in 1976).
A year later he lead home a Subaru 1-2-3 to become Britain’s first ever – and at 27 the youngest - World Rally Champion.
In a WRC career spanning 19 years he went on to finish as runner-up in 1996, 1997 (helped by his third Rally GB win) and 2001, claiming a total of 25 WRC victories.
He retired from the World Rally Championship in 2004 and his last Rally GB was in 2005 (with Skoda) but continued to compete in a variety of events, including Le Mans 24 Hours, Paris-Dakar and domestic rallies.
He was 39 years old.
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