1995 World Rally champion, Colin McRae was tragically killed on Saturday when his helicopter crashed.

McRae was one of four that perished, along with his five-year-old son, Johnny, as well as the youngster's friend Ben Porcelli and family friend Graeme Duncan, who was 37.

All at Crash.net join the entire rallying community in extending our sympathies to Colin's family and friends and those of the other victims at this difficult time.

What follows is a selection of some of the tributes made following Colin's passing...


Jimmy McRae, speaking on behalf of the whole family:

"It is with much sadness and regret that we have to make this statement.

"It is unbelievable that Colin and Johnny's lives have been taken so prematurely and in such a tragic manner.

"Colin was a great son, a loving husband to Alison and a fantastic father to Johnny and his big sister Hollie. Johnny was a great wee guy, spending every spare minute with his dad, and even at this early stage it looked like he had the potential to carry on the family dynasty.

"Our thoughts are also very much with the families of Ben Porcelli and Graeme Duncan. Ben was a great buddy of Johnny's and they had always spent a lot of time together both in and out of school. Graeme, who now resides in France, had been a close friend of Colin's since their schooldays and was back in Lanark on holiday.

"We are thankful for the overwhelming number of messages of support we have received from all around the world. Colin was very much an inspiration and role model to motorsport fans the world over.

"As you can imagine this is a very difficult time for the family and we would ask that our privacy be respected and we be allowed to grieve in private."


FIA:

"The FIA has received a notification from the Strathclyde Police regarding the helicopter crash in Jerviswood, Lanark, yesterday. The police have confirmed to the FIA that there were four people, two adults and two young children on board the helicopter.

"The Police believe the passengers to be Colin McRae and his son Johnny; Ben Porcelli, one of Johnny's friends, and Graeme Duncan a McRae family friend

"The FIA extends sincere condolences to the families of all those involved in this awful accident.

"Colin McRae made an enormous contribution to motor sport and his spectacular driving style endeared him to fans throughout the world.

"The thoughts of all those in the motor sport community are with the families and friends of those touched by this tragedy."


Colin Hilton, chief executive of the Motor Sports Association - governing body of UK motor sport: