Citroen chief devastated at McRae death.

Citroen Sport director Guy Frequelin says he is devastated by the death of Colin McRae following a helicopter accident close to his Scottish home.

The former Subaru, Ford and Citroen driver was one of four people killed when the aircraft came down on Saturday afternoon, with his five-year-old son Johnny and two family friends also on board.

Frequelin, who was in charge for McRae's single season with the French squad - as season that would be his final full year in the WRC - admitted he was shocked to be given the news that McRae had passed away, praising the Scot as a true sportsman who always gave his all for the cause.

"In 2003, I was fortunate to have three extraordinary drivers in my squad: Carlos Sainz, Sebastien Loeb and Colin McRae," he said. "The news of Colin's death really took me aback; I am devastated.

"He was such a likeable person, and very open and honest. He was a true sportsman who never looked for excuses. He derived pleasure from everything he undertook. He was a battler, of course, but I believe what drove him, what made him someone who would just never give up, was that permanent quest for pleasure.

"Everyone in the team adored him and we are all deeply grieved."