Report from the Sydney Morning Herald:Motorsport legend Peter Brock tragically has died whilst competing in a Daytona Cobra Coupe on the Targa West Rally.

Peter Brock was hailed as an icon of Australian motor sport and a champion of road safety as tributes poured in from around Australia for the man dubbed "Peter Perfect".

Australians ranging from car enthusiasts to the prime minister hailed the 61-year-old sporting champion killed during a rally in Western Australia.

Fellow driver Jim Richards said there would never be another person like Brock, who won a record nine Bathurst 1000s to earn the moniker "King of the Mountain" in a glittering racing career which spanned three decades.

"He was an icon of Australian motorsport," Mr Richards told Sky News.

"With the following he had from the average person to the multi-nationals ... there will never be another Peter Brock, that's for sure."

Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, said Peter Brock was an "absolute legend of motor racing in Australia" and his shock death would be a terrible loss for Australian sport.

"He towered above Australian motor sport in the 1970s and 80s and drove with such precision he was dubbed Peter Perfect by his peers," Mr Howard said.

"He held more pole positions and won more races than any other driver since the inception of the Australian Touring Car competition."

"Peter will be sadly missed by his fans, the motor sport fraternity and the many people and groups he supported."

"Peter Brock's commitment to road safety has also had a significant influence on all Australians."