F1 says goodbye to Jules Bianchi in moving funeral service

Lewis Hamilton was among the mourners at the service in Nice, just one of a host of big names from across motorsport to attend.

Bianchi died on Friday from the head injuries he suffered in a horrendous accident at last year's Japanese Grand Prix, where the Marussia driver crashed into a recovery vehicle that was assisting another stricken driver.

In the days since his death a huge number of tributes have been paid to a highly-regarded young driver who was widely expected to enjoy a long and successful career at the pinnacle of motorsport - with Ferrari saying last week that he had come through their trainee programme with flying colours and already been pencilled in as a future driver for the Scuderia.

Here are some of the words of praise for a talented young star taken from the world far too soon:

Jenson Button: "Last night we lost a truly great guy and a real fighter #RIPJules. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends."

Ex-Ferrari boss Luca Di Montezemolo: "This boy was born with us, and we thought of him as our driver of the future... he would have been perfect for the coming years."

Legendary F1 team boss Eddie Jordan: "Very seldom do we find a real jewel, like Lewis Hamilton, Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. Jules had the potential to be in that league. It was unfortunate circumstances. We have things to learn but the virtual safety car has improved things and it couldn't be safer now. Bianchi was so well respected, loved and adored. A smashing boy and a world champion in the making."

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone: "It was so sad to hear the news about Jules. We are now going to miss a very talented driver and a really nice person. We must not let this ever happen again."

Marussia team boss John Booth: "Jules was a shining talent. He was destined for great things in our sport; success he so richly deserved. He was also a magnificent human being, making a lasting impression on countless people all over the world. They recognised, as did we, that at the same time as being a fiercely motivated racer, he was also an extremely warm, humble and intensely likeable person, who lit up our garage and our lives."

Former team-mate and F1 driver Max Chilton: "No words can describe what his family & the sport have lost. All I can say is it was a pleasure knowing and racing you."

BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson: "The Frenchman was one of the most promising of a new generation of Formula 1 drivers... It is never easy for a new driver in a struggling team to prove his worth, but Bianchi had done so by producing performances that would not normally be expected of the car, and outclassing his team-mate... It was too early in Bianchi's career to judge his ultimate potential, and whether he could have gone on to become a race winner and even world champion. But the signs were there that he was set for a significant career at the highest level of the sport."

[MORE REACTION: Jules Bianchi dies aged 25: Reaction and tributes after F1 tragedy]