MotoGP team Gresini Racing owner Fausto Gresini died on Tuesday at the age of 60, swept away by the COVID-19. He was the 125cc world champion in 1985 and 1987. The latter had spent his entire career in this category, winning 21 victories.
“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.” Team Gresini said in a statement.
“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.” they added.
Gresini then founded his own team in 1997, the Gresini Racing, which still exists and which was entered last year in all motorbike categories.
The Italian and his team had won three world championships, thanks to Daijiro Kato (250cc in 2001), Toni Elias (Moto2 in 2010) and Jorge Martin (Moto3 in 2018).
Gresini had also had the pain of losing two of his riders during his career, killed in the race: Kato had died in 2003 during the Japanese Grand Prix and Marco Simoncelli had been killed in 2011 during the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Honda racing corporation, which supported Gresini as a Grand Prix rider, has released the following statement after the motogp team boss died from a COVID-19.
“HRC are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Fausto Gresini at 60 years old, a man who achieved great heights as a rider and as a team owner.” Honda said.
