Formula One: Formula One legend Tyrrell dead
Formula One legend Ken Tyrrell, who founded the Tyrrell motor racing team in 1970, has died after an illness.
A spokesman for the family said that Tyrrell died in the early hours of this morning at his home in Surrey. He was 77.
Three-time world Formula One champion Sir Jackie Stewart, who used to race for the team, led the tributes to a "unique and modest friend".
He said: "My heart is deeply saddened by the passing of a great friend.
"Ken was the most important person in my life outside my family. Without Ken Tyrrell, I would not be where I am today."
Sir Jackie added: "His influence on my driving career was enormous. He was so much more than the team owner and team manager. Ken was like a father. He taught me, he coached me, he pushed and shoved me. We argued and we laughed.
"Ken masterminded my success; it was solid, logical and practical wisdom that I respected so much. It is very important to remember, of course, that I was just one of many drivers that Ken lifted to significant levels of motor sport."
The Tyrrell Racing Organisation was eventually bought out by British American Racing in November 1997. Tyrrell retired from the sport in February 1998.
