True Fighter: F1 Champions Praise Wheldon

Britain's Formula One motor racing stars have written about the death of Briton Dan Wheldon in the US IndyCar series.

Former World Champion Jenson Button wrote on Twitter: "Just woken up to the most horrific news. Dan Wheldon RIP...

"I have so many good memories of racing with Dan in the early 90s, a true fighter. We've lost a legend in our sport but also a great guy.

"I can't begin to imagine what his family are going through and my thoughts are with them at this very difficult time."

Fellow McLaren driver and former World Champ Lewis Hamilton said: "Dan was a racer I'd followed throughout my career, as I often followed in his footsteps as we climbed the motorsport ladder in the UK.

"He was an extremely talented driver. As a British guy who not only went over to the States but who twice won the Indy 500, he was an inspirational guy, and someone that every racing driver looked up to with respect and admiration.

"This is a tragic loss at such a young age. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time."

Scotsman Dario Franchitti , Wheldon's former teammate and 2011 season IndyCar champion said: "We put so much pressure on ourselves to win races and championships, and that's what we love to do, what we live for. Days like today, it doesn't really matter.

"I lost, we lost, a good friend. Everybody in IndyCar considered Dan a friend. You saw what the reaction was. Dan was one of those special, special people, from when he first showed up at IndyCar."