Eddie Jordan has been described as an exceptional man after the charismatic former Formula One team owner died on Thursday.
A statement released by Jordan's family and given to the PA news agency confirmed the Irishman had died at the age of 76.
In December, Jordan revealed he had been diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer, which had spread to his spine and pelvis, but the former Formula One team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur remained active and earlier this year led a consortium that bought rugby team London Irish.
He also recently brokered a £20m-a-season deal between Formula One design guru Adrian Newey and the Red Bull team, which was formerly known as Jordan from 1991 to 2005.
The team, named after Jordan himself, competed in 250 races over 14 years and was the one that gave Michael Schumacher his debut helmet and honoured its founder.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali spoke ahead of this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Eddie Jordan.
“With his inexhaustible energy, he always managed to bring smiles to people’s faces, while remaining sincere and brilliant.
“Eddie was a central figure in the Formula One era and will be sorely missed. My thoughts and those of the entire Formula One family are with his nearest and dearest at this sad time.”
Jordan sold his F1 team in 2005, but returned to the paddock four years later as part of the BBC's coverage. He continued his work as a pundit on Channel 4 and briefly hosted Top Gear.
Presenter Jake Humphrey, who worked with Jordan at the BBC, tweeted: “Absolutely devastated.
“Formula 1 will never see the likes of Eddie again, where a guy who loves racing can quickly break into the sport and end up winning.
“But more important than all the victories was the fact that he won hearts. I will never forget how his face always lit up when he saw a Jordan GP jacket, a flag or a cap.
“His greatest achievements were Mickey, Zoe, Kyle and Zak. His incredible four children who have inherited his spirit. His wife Marie is one of the strongest and most wonderful women I have ever met. The four years we spent together presenting F1 on the BBC were the best of my career.
“Eddie lit up any space he walked into. That's a lesson for all of us – to be the light in the room. I was lucky enough to share one last, precious lunch with him and his boys a few months ago. It was special.
“The world seems a little less bright this morning. Goodbye, friend. Play the spoons for me over there.”
Current Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell said: “Eddie Jordan was one of the greatest racing drivers of all time.
“He was a unique, wonderful man and a charismatic leader who founded this team and brought it into Formula 1 in 1991.
“His vision was the foundation for us and he left a lasting legacy for the entire motorsport community. Today we pay tribute to a legend of the sport and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
