Robert Dunlop

Everywhere this morning there is a total state of shock and bewilderment at the sudden and tragic loss of Robert Dunlop yesterday evening. Robert and I were tough competitors for 15 years, both on the Irish scene and worldwide. We both had our eyes on the prize of becoming the King of Irish racing. With so many years competing at that sort of level came a lot of respect for each other, and over the years since I stopped racing our relationship had become even closer. Although I stopped racing a few years ago, Robert opted to continue, such was his love for the sport and his will and determination to continue racing motorbikes. Motorbike racing can be like a drug and is certainly addictive. The feeling that it gives you, that rush of adrenaline, outweighs all the dangers.

My fondest memory of Robert is the Macau GP in the late 80s. We both realised before we started the race that both of us badly wanted to win it and so we went at it like two mad Irishmen, and Robert came out on top with me behind him in second. That's when I knew, and got to experience first hand, that he was a true legend.

Robert Dunlop was one of the toughest competitors out there who had an unflinching determination to win. It is a sad, sad loss both to his family and the wider circle of motorbike racing. He was one of the best ambassadors for motor racing and for his country, and his memory will live on for a long, long time.