It was with immense sadness that Citroën Sport learnt on Saturday evening of the death of Scottish rally driver Colin McRae in a helicopter accident.

After beginning his World Rally Championship career in 1987, Colin McRae moved up the ladder step by step and claimed his first world class win in New Zealand in 1993. He went on to become a regular contender for the world title and took the sport's supreme prize in 1995, before finishing runner-up on three other occasions (1996, 1997 and 2001).

In 2003, his first full WRC season with Citroën, Guy Fréquelin recruited him alongside Sébastien Loeb and Carlos Sainz. As a threesome, they kicked off the year with a memorable one-two-three finish on the Monte Carlo Rally, with Colin McRae securing second place.

Citroën Sport's director looks back at their association with great fondness: "In 2003, I was fortunate to have three extraordinary drivers in my squad: Carlos Sainz, Sébastien Loeb and Colin McRae. 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."

Sébastien Loeb also has fond memories of his former team-mate: "It's a tragedy. I am terribly touched by the disappearance of Colin and his little boy. Our thoughts go out to his wife and daughter. Colin was a hugely talented driver. He was also such a down to earth and cool and collected person. He loved to joke around and it was a joy and an honour to work alongside him."

Everyone at Citroën Sport would like to express their sincerest condolences to Alison, Colin McRae's wife, to Hollie, his daughter, and to everyone in and close to the families of all those involved in the accident.