Bjorn Waldegaard R.I.P

[satnav]

Sad news today that the 1979 world rally champion Bjorn Waldergaard has passed away after a short illness , a truly great driver and a fantastic man R.I.P

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115625

[pino]

What a sad news, he was a great person, and a true champion ! My greatest rally-experience, was a ride with him on his Stratos in Sanremo. What a big lost :(

R.I.P Bjorn

[A.F.F.]

First official rally world champion. R.I.P. Björn.

[bassist]

Very sad news, spectacular driver and true Gentleman. A great loss to our Sport.

[eib1]

Rest In Peace Champion

[dimviii]

rip.

[gorganl2000]

Rip

[BDunnell]

What an under-rated champion he was — most remembered for his African wins, but also competitive on snow, gravel and tarmac, in a range of cars. That level of versatility was rare in his day.

[Eli]

may he rest in peace

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally Legend. RIP. :(

[Tom206wrc]

;(

[Nornbugger]

RIP champ

[Sulland]

Sorry to hear this. One of the best has passed away.
RIP Bjørn!

[Rallyper]

As I wrote on Twitter I had the pleasure to compete in the same local rally once back in 1974. Bjorn drove an Corolla to over all victory (of course). For me it´s great having that experience. BW was the driver you looked up to but never could equal. Always calm and polite.

[stefanvv]

Great loss for the sport, R.I.P.

[focus206]

R.i.p. :(

[Spud]

My condolences to his family and friends....RIP Bjorn...you will never be forgotten..thanks for the memories....

[Zeakiwi]

RIP Bjorn
http://youtu.be/byK_p4GDddg

[Mk2 RS2000]

Our first World Champion, a true gentleman and elite sportsman, it has been an honour to have meet and competed against him.

[WUff1]

A gentleman and a top sportsman - R.I.P.

[Lundefaret]

Rip bw

[OldF]

R.I.P.

We have come so far that the drivers from 60’s and 70’s start to end their earthly journey.

[Maui J.]

Sad loss.
One of my first ever memories of rallying was seeing Bjorn in the big silver Mercedes 500 at 1980 Rally NZ.
RIP

[Mintexmemory]

Can't remember the exact quote but when calling the notes for Bw Denis Giraudet suffered a bout of laryngitis.-- "Calling notes for Bjorn with a sore throat was like trying to make love to Bardot in a suit of armour". Please post any photos or personal memories tomake this thread a virtual book of remebrance. -- thanks

[Atob WRC]

His last rally in Spain, Rally Costa Brava'08.

R.I.P.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=542567662542149&l=d384c5c1ee

[journeyman racer]

Shocking to find out. A real blow to find out when one of the big guns passes away. RIP.

[Maurice_M_27]

Love the story from Sanremo one year, Waldegard and Munari both in the Stratos. Bjorn leading going into the last stage from Sandro. Fiorio held Waldegard on the start line of the last stage to make sure both drivers were dead level, but Bjorn went on to blitz the last stage and win anyway. RIP.