MotoGP paddock in mourning following death of popular team boss Fausto Gresini

The former 125cc world champion died from Covid-related complications a few days after he turned 60-years-old.

Mr Gresini had been in the intensive care unit of the Maggiore Carlo Alberto Pizzardi hospital in Bologna since December 30 with severe respiratory problems after contracting the virus a few days earlier.

Although he was always on a ventilator, his condition improved and he was able to participate in video calls with his family and receive a visit from his wife.

However, his condition began to deteriorate as complications arose.

Reports surfaced on Monday evening claiming he had died, but these were denied by Gresini Racing and Fausto’s family.

Then, on Tuesday morning, an official statement issue by Gresini Racing confirmed that he had passed away.

It read: ‘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.

‘All of Gresini Racing are close to Fausto’s family in support: his wife Nadia and the four children Lorenzo, Luca, Alice and Agnese... as well as everyone who had the chance to get to know him and love him throughout the years.’

Following a career spanning 12 years in the 125cc class, Gresini became a team manager in 1997, winning world crowns in the 1997 250cc (Dajiro Kato), 2010 Moto2 (Toni Elias) and Moto3 (Jorge Martin) classes.

But in addition to the success, Gresini experienced tragedy in the sport with the loss of two of his riders in racing accidents, after Dajiro Kato and MotoGP star Marco Simoncelli were killed in 2003 and 2011 respectively.

In 2014, Gresini ran Aprilia’s official MotoGP team for the first time, with the agreement continuing through until the end of the 2021 season.

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