At the Hockenheimring in 2004, Uwe Gemballa introduced me to Luca Moro; and my initial coaching work with the self-professed Porsche fan forged a strong racing friendship.

I have fond memories of the races we competed in together, and of the success we had. In May 2005, we first stood on the podium together when we achieved 3rd place at the FIA GT round in Imola.

And I will never forget our toughest race, in 2006 at the 24 Hours of Dubai driving a Porsche 996 Cup. When our third team driver fell ill, Luca and I practically divided up the 24 hours of driving between the two of us.

On March 13, Luca sadly lost his battle against a treacherous disease.

He was one of my longest running team mates in racing, a very fine person, with ambition, wit and humour, frank and fair.

We had good times together, that I will think back on often, and with affection.

It hurts to have lost such a good friend.

Your memory will be with me forever!