As a young aspiring racer on the verge of switching to cars many years ago, the two senior figures who always stood apart for me were Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart. Long beyond their racing careers, both continued to operate effectively as commercial animals, and they did that with a great zest for life and a sense of elegance.

As well as inspiring me, Stirling has done the same for several generations of racing drivers. As president of the BRDC I can see his influence today in our members, and I know that will continue in the future. He came to symbolise the very special essence of British motor racing.

I think I first met Stirling when I was competing in Formula Ford and he was always very gracious – he gave you a sense that you were part of his club, simply because you were a budding racer. He never made you feel as though you were anything other than a younger version of what he had been. He remained very passionate about the sport, had a great presence about him and was one of those genuine larger-than-life characters.