After two months of battling COVID-19, Gresini’s team principal, Fausto Gresini, has unfortunately passed away earlier this week. The Gresini Team’s founder and two-time 125cc world champion was seen as a major key figure in the MotoGP paddock and his presence will surely be missed, especially team members and riders who have served under his wings.

The 60-year-old Italian legend started his racing career back in 1983 and took home the championship crown in 1985 and 1987. Fausto Gresini collected a total of 21 race wins before he hung up his leathers at the end of 1994. His managerial role began in 1997 and managed to set up his own team in 2001. Since then, he has worked with the likes of Daijiro Kato, Toni Elias, Marco Simoncelli, and even the latest MotoGP rookies, Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini.

A much loved member of the MotoGP family has sadly left us

Fausto Gresini was a colleague to many, a friend to all and will be sorely, sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones

Rest in peace Fausto pic.twitter.com/qWfP34BIpa

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) February 23, 2021

According to Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, “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.”