Jordan pays tribute to Postlethwaite

'The news of Harvey's death has come as a great shock,' said Jordan. 'We had been talking only recently about new projects he was working on and very excited about.

'Harvey was an academic and a true gentleman. He was always so committed and enthusiastic. This is a sad blow to Formula One.'

Jordan's chief designer Mike Gascoyne worked with closely Postlethwaite for many years at Tyrell and was a close friend.

Praising Postlethwaite's inspirational qualities, he said, 'It was with the utmost sadness that I heard today about the death of Harvey Postlethwaite. He was above anything a great friend and also a defining character in my career and the careers of many other young engineers.

'His infectious enthusiasm for both engineering and motorsport was an inspiration to all those who had the benefit of working with him. My thoughts and condolences are naturally with his family at this difficult time.'