Bikesport News founding director and Donington Park supremo Robert Fearnall has died.

Mr Fearnall (57) passed away at his Melbourne, Derbyshire home. He devoted most of his working life to to Donington Park and to motorsport, and was widely respected across both the car and motorcycle racing world. Robert had first joined Tom Wheatcroft at the circuit in 1979 and with only one or two short breaks, had directed racing operations at the circuit from that time up until the present day.

Close friend and Donington owner Kevin Wheatcroft said: "We have been informed today of the sad loss of Robert Fearnall. Obviously my family and I, as well as the staff here at the circuit and his many friends both in the UK and worldwide, are enormously saddened by this tragic news.

"At this difficult time we would ask that both friends and the wider motorsport community allow us time to deal with this great loss. An announcement about funeral and other arrangements will be made in due course. Thank you.”