Three times Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart spoke of his sadness at the accident. The fellow Scot said: "It's a sad loss for Scotland, of a real hero and an immensely popular friend."

Dave Richards, the man behind the Prodrive Subaru team - who escaped injury when his helicopter crashed on a return trip from Belgium, also hailed McRae's "extraordinary spirit".

"Colin had a competitive spirit like I've never seen in any other individual in my life.

"He was one of those people that you can't define or describe very easily," he said.

McRae's co-driver since 1997, Nicky Grist said the whole of the rally world was in shock.

"He was such a great character and will be sorely missed.

"I have to say they were the best times of my life. We used to push everything to the absolute limit. But when it came to socialising we had great fun also."

Grist said the death of McRae's son Johnny and the two friends made it an even greater tragedy.

Colin Hilton, chief executive of the Motor Sports Association - the governing body of UK motor sport, said: "Colin was an inspiration to all who knew him and to millions around the world. His energy, commitment and extraordinary talent brought him domestic and international success, while his uncompromising style and determination made him the hero of fans everywhere."

Local rally driver Andrew Nesbitt described him as "magical".

"When people spoke of World Rally they spoke of Colin McRae, that was what he brought to the sport," he said.

And the FIA - world motor sport council - described Colin McRae as an inspiration.

In a statement the organisation said: "Colin McRae made an enormous contribution to motor sport and his spectacular driving style endeared him to fans throughout the world.