Foggy, Corser & Haydon send Sheene support.

Carl Fogarty and the Foggy Petronas Racing team have expressed their best wishes to Barry Sheene and his family, following the news of the legendary twice 500cc World Champion's diagnosis of throat cancer.

Foggy Petronas Racing's team boss, Carl Fogarty, commented: "I feel very sad for Barry and his family and wish him all the best. I'm sure if he fights this the same amazing way as he did when he smashed up his legs and came back to racing the following year, then he'll beat his illness.

"We've both said things in the press about one other - a lot of which has been blown out of proportion - but ultimately we have always got on very well face to face. We spent quite a bit of time together during the weekend in Australia when my career ended (but) living opposite sides of the world means we haven't really seen each other much since, but I would like to wish him a rapid and full recovery," added Foggy.

Sheene, 51, who now lives on Australia's Gold Coast and commentates on motorsport in Australia, was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus last month and is receiving treatment as an outpatient. The 1970's British motorcycle legend is reported to be in good spirits and has vowed to fight his illness.

Fellow Aussie citizen Troy Corser also believes that Sheene's legendary fighting spirit will see him through the ordeal.

"Barry was a really big inspiration for my racing and ultimately found me the opportunity to come to Europe, start my racing career and be successful at what I had always wanted to do," began Corser.

"The diagnosis of throat cancer is obviously very sad and worrying for Barry and everyone around him, but medical treatment is incredible these days and coupled with his strong personality then if anyone can get through this then it's Barry," stated Corser. "This isn't the first challenge he's had to face in his life and I'm sure he can beat his illness as he has every challenge before."

Despite not knowing Barry personally, FPR's British star James Haydon expressed: "Everyone knows of Barry Sheene - he's a motorcycle legend. Barry had a fantastic career, he's been a good ambassador of the sport over the years and I'd like to wish him and his family every best wish possible."