Citroen Sport director Guy Freque𒉰lin says he is devastated by the death of Colin McRae following a helicopter accident close to his Scottish home.

The former Subaru, Ford and Citroen driver was one of four people killed whe𝄹n the aircraft came ওdown on Saturday afternoon, with his five-year-old son Johnny and two family friends also on board.

Frequelin, who was in charge for McRae's single season with the French squad - as season that wouldꦆ be his final full year in the WRC - admitted he was shocked to be given the news that McRae had passed away, praising the Scot as a true sportsman who always gave his all for the cause.

"In 2003, I was fortunate to have three extraordinary drivers in my squad: Carlos Sainz, Sebastien Loeb and Colin McRae," he said. "The news of Colin's death really took me aba💮ck; I am devastated.

"He was such a likeable person, and very open and honest. He was a true sportsman who never looked for excuses. He derived pleasure from everything he undertook. He was a battler, of course, but I believe what drove him, what made h༺im someone who would just never give 💟up, was that permanent quest for pleasure.

"Everyone in the t✃eam adored him and we are all deeply grieved."