MotoGP tragedy repeated in San Marino

Last week, the motorsports world was shocked by the death of 13 year-old 125cc MotoGP rider Peter Lenz (#45). During a warm-up lap at last week’s MotoGP in Indianapolis, Peter crashed and was hit by another rider. He later died due to injuries he sustained in the crash.

In today's Moto2 race, after an uneventful first eight laps, with Shoya Tomizawa (#48) running strongly, leading the race at times, history repeated itself. Exiting the turn, on the curbing, Tomizawa and his bike fell and sprawled across the path of trailing riders Alex de Angelis (#15) and Scott Redding (#45). Just bike lengths behind, both riders ran over Tomizawa at full speed as he spun across the track. Colliding with Tomizawa’s torso, they were both flipped off their bikes. De Angelis and Redding would slide off the track with their bikes, but Tomizawa lay on the track, unmoving, as the next group of seven riders rode past.

Crashes in MotoGP practices and races are common-place; a natural result of men and machines pushing to the limit -- and sometimes -- over the limit. But, with well designed run-off areas on the track, and state-of-the-art safety equipment protecting the riders, many riders walk away from crashes -- severe injuries are rare, and fatalities are rarer still. But, last week’s 125cc and this week’s Moto2 deaths are a harsh reminder of the dangers of this sport.

De Angelis was able to walk away. Redding, after examination, was later given the all clear. Although during the race, the injuries were initially reported to be “not life threatening,” Tomizawa would later die at the local hospital.

Prayers from around the globe go out to the families, friends and teams of both Shoya Tomizawa and Peter Lenz.

From MotoGP:
- Shoya, on the track and beyond, we will always follow your line
- MotoGP paddock united in Tomizawa grief