From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

STEVE HISLOP
1961 – 2003

On behalf of all at Paul Bird Motorsport like so many, we are saddened and shocked by the news of Steve Hislop’s tragic accident resulting in his untimely death yesterday.

Steve rode for the team for two very successful seasons and gave us not only our first British Superbike title but our first World Championship pole position at Donington Park, all of which we will never forget.

The combination of Paul Bird Motorsport and Steve Hislop proved the one to beat in 2001 and 2002 which culminated in him winning last season’s Championship and in doing so completed his fairytale return to the top after injury and bad luck dogged his previous bids.

Team owner Paul Bird said “We will forever be indebted to Steve for what he has done for us. It’s fair to say we wouldn’t be where we are now if it wasn’t for him. For now all our thoughts are with his dedicated mum Margaret and his two lovely children Connor and Aaron. All of us are going to miss him but we will all remember him very fondly.”