Schumacher, Todt Pay Homage to Agnelli

World Champion Michael Schumacher has paid homage to Fiat's honourary chairman Giovanni Agnelli following the Italian's death today after a long battle against prostate cancer.

"I'm very sad about the death of 'Avvocato' Agnelli: I've always had great respect for him, and I've always been very proud of meeting him," said Schumacher. "Each time I was struck by the competence and the curiosity he had for Ferrari, for Formula One, for football, and his sensibility about the world's problems."

L'Avvocato (the lawyer), as Agnelli was known in Italy, was the patriarch of the Fiat dynasty which owns both the Ferrari brand and the Formula One team. He was 81 years old.

Ferrari's sporting director Jean Todt was also saddened by the loss of Agnelli.

"I'm touched by the death of 'Avvocato' Agnelli, a legendary figure with an inimitable style," added Todt. "Ferrari to him, has always been a special company, and the results achieved were of particular significance to him.

"He was always curious about what was happening at Maranello, and he has always supported us during the many years of struggles, while we were trying to be successful again, agreeing on our decisions.

"When we finally managed to win, it was a moment of relief and joy for him too. We knew that we could always count on his presence and support. With this loss, an unrepeatable era has come to an end."