Letter: De mortuis nihil nisi bonum

Sir: James Hunt, we are informed by Keith Botsford's article ' 'One of these days I guess I'll just go off the road' ' (16 June), was a sad character, a weak man whose achievements were fragile and outweighed by defects. In fact, he was a first-class commentator, informed and informative, plain- speaking and interesting. He was world champion in the extremely dangerous and personally taxing sport of Formula One motor racing.

I never imagined that he was a flawless character. I would have been appalled if anybody had suggested that he might be. I shall remember his exemplary contributions with great affection. With any luck, I shall have forgotten Mr Botsford by tomorrow.

Yours faithfully,

PETER SENIOR

Manchester

16 June