MotoGP’s leading men have paid tribute to Formula One legend Ayrton Senna who lost his life on this day 20 years ago at the Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari, Imola.

Always a complex character, Senna is viewed by many as the greatest F1 driver ever to have lived and his exploits on the circuit are the stuff of myriad posters on walls in boys’ bedrooms across the world.

“It was a lot before my time but a true icon for the sport on and off the track. A role model to a lot of young riders and drivers, a fantastic sportsman,” said Cal Crutchlow.

Valentino Rossi added: “Unfortunately, I remember better as already I am a bit old. I follow very much Formula One but sincerely speaking I wasn’t a big fan of Senna, more Mansell, but he was a hero, especially what he did with a Formula One car is something that remain in the memory of fans: the first lap at Donington (in 1993) in the wet, starting from last and arrive first, and the qualifying lap in Monaco with the McLaren. Something for a fan of motorsport, he was a great inspiration for a lot of great drivers and riders.”

“I read a lot of book from him and watch some videos, and he was really special compared to the other ones. He pushed the limit a little bit further than the others and to make a lap one second faster than great drivers like Alain Prost. In his books, I learned something from him,” said Jorge Lorenzo.