by Our Sports Desk

Stirling Moss has led the tributes to his long-time Formula One rival Jack Brabham, who has died aged 88.

Brabham, the three-time world champion from Australia, died at his home on the Gold Coast on Monday morning.

Moss, who competed against Brabham in the 1950s and ‘60s, said: “My career would have been considerably less without him.

“Every race — and I’m talking 50-odd times a year — we would fight against each other.

“I remember in New Zealand in the early ‘50s, we were contending the New Zealand grand prix or something like that and I had a problem with my back axle.

“The first person that came up was Jack and he said ‘take it off my spare car’, knowing very well that there was a good chance I might beat him.

“That sums him up to me — a real sportsman and a good Aussie.”

Jackie Stewart also paid tribute to his on-track rival and friend Brabham.

“Not only did he win the world championship three times, but he won driving his own car, which is a feat I suspect will never be matched.”