Official: MotoGP team principal Fausto Gresini has died

125cc world champion and MotoGP team principal Fausto Gresini has sadly passed away after being hospitalised for almost two-months due to Covid-related complications, his Gresini team has officially confirmed.

The 60-year-old Italian, who contracted Covid in late December, had been in the intensive care unit of the Maggiore Carlo Alberto Pizzardi hospital in Bologna battling severe respiratory problems since December 30.

Initially placed in a pharmaceutical coma, Gresini's condition then improved and - while a ventilator was always required for blood oxygen levels - he was described as fully conscious and able to take part in video calls with his family and a visit from his wife.

However complications followed, causing a deterioration in his condition.

A recent team update described a 'critical' clinical picture and reports that Gresini had passed away emerged yesterday (Monday) night, but were denied by both the team and Gresini's family.

The following statement was then issued on Tuesday morning:

'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.

'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.'

After a 12-year career as a grand prix rider, spent entirely in the 125cc class, Gresini moved into team management 1997.

His team has won three titles in the smaller classes – the 1997 250cc world championship with Daijiro Kato, 2010 Moto2 crown with Toni Elias and 2018 Moto3 title with Jorge Martin - plus satellite Honda MotoGP race wins for Sete Gibernau (8), Marco Melandri (5) and Elias (1).

Always close to his riders, Gresini faced more heartache than any other MotoGP team principal of the modern era with the loss of Daijiro Kato (2003) and Marco Simoncelli (2011) due to fatal racing accidents while wearing the team's colours.

Gresini became the Factory Aprilia MotoGP team from the end of 2014, an agreement that will conclude this season. The squad intends to become a fully independent MotoGP entry again from 2022, while continuing to compete in the Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE classes.

Crash.net joins the MotoGP community in offering its sincere condolences to Fausto Gresini's family, friends and team.