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Red Bull and Lotus pay tribute to Total CEO

Christophe de Margerie © Getty Images

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Red Bull and Lotus have paid tribute to Total Chairman and CEO Christophe de Margerie, who was killed in a plane crash on Monday night.

De Margerie was on board a private jet when it collided with a snow plough at Moscow's Vnukovo international airport, killing him and all three members of the crew.

Total is a sponsor and supplier to Red Bull and Lotus, and both teams released statements on Tuesday.

"We have worked with Christophe de Margerie for many years and always held him in the highest regard," the Red Bull statement read. "He was brilliant in business and a great man on so many levels.

"It is tragic to lose him in this way and we will miss him. We would like to send our condolences to his wife and family and to all of our colleagues at Total at this very difficult time."

Lotus' statement read: "Lotus F1 Team is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of Christophe de Margerie, Chairman and CEO of Total. Total has been a long-standing partner of Lotus F1 Team with Christophe a friend and supporter of the team as well as a close personal friend of Team Principal and Chairman, Gérard Lopez. The thoughts of Lotus F1 Team are with the families of Christophe de Margerie and the other three victims of yesterday's plane crash."

Total is also a long-term sponsor of Lotus driver Romain Grosjean, who wrote his own statement on his Facebook page.

"Waking up is hard today, Christophe you were one of those men that you meet very rarely in a lifetime," Grosjean wrote. "You have believed in me and you have helped me to accomplish my dream. We always lose the best too early and this morning this sentence is more true than ever.

"Intimidating, impressive, nice, charming and teasing, I remember all these moments shared with you. They were all special and unique, like my relationship with Total F1 which is born of your initiative.

"You have helped me but especially you taught me! I know that you always keep an eye on us all and you'll be proud of our achievements.

"In January you told me: "do second this year and wins next year!" I believe that 2014 is a black year but I know that the future will be better...

"Today the pain is strong for me, but I can imagine horrible for your family.

"To yours, my most sincere condolences."

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