Rally world mourns David Williams.

The rally world was plunged into mourning on Thursday as news broke of the sudden passing of respected journalist David Williams who, aged just 43, was found dead at his home.

Best known as the editor of the annual Rallycourse yearbook, Williams was also a regular contributor to Britain's Guardian newspaper and the weekly Motorsport News as well as founding editor of worldrallynews.com. He was a familiar figure at events all over the world, but still found time to satisfy his own competitive urges with outings on the British national scene.

Along with his friends in rallying worldwide, all at Crash.net and Rallycourse extend their condolences to David's family.

"It is with a heavy heart that we learned this morning of the passing of our dear friend, colleague and editor of Rallycourse, David Williams, who was taken cruelly from us at the age of 43," said CMG MD Bryn Williams.

"David was a long-time colleague and friend, having worked with him at Motoring News and attended numerous events with him over the last 25 years. This year, we were fortunate enough to acquire Rallycourse from Hazelton Publishing, and my main goal from day one was to entice David back as editor. To my relief, he gladly accepted and our editorial meetings had already begun to carve out a bigger and better edition of the book for 2005.

"A Rallycourse without David's name on the masthead is a rare thing, therefore this year's edition will be a fitting tribute to his popularity, professionalism and standing within the sport. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time. We will all miss him deeply."