MotoGP officials have confirmed that Moto2 rider Luis Salom has died following an accident during practice for the Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona.
Salom, 24, suffered a fall in second practice for the Moto2 series and was treated on the scene before being taken by helicopter to hospital, where he underwent surgery.
The Spaniard passed away at 16:55pm CET.
“Following an incident during today’s Moto2 Free Practice 2 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, it is with great sadness that we have to report the passing of Luis Salom (SAG Team),” a statement from MotoGP reads.
“The session was red flagged with just under 25 minutes remaining after the Spanish rider fell at turn 12.
“Two medical cars and then two ambulances were immediately on scene to treat the 24-year-old and the medical helicopter was also deployed to assist in his treatment.
“Due the severity of his condition, the decision was taken to transfer Salom by road to the nearby Hospital General de Catalunya. On arrival, he underwent surgery, but despite the best efforts of the trauma team, he passed away at 1655pm local time.
“Salom made his World Championship debut at Jerez in 2009 in the 125cc category. He finished on the podium in 25 races, including nine victories in the Moto3 World Championship.
“He finished the 2012 Moto3 World Championship in second position in the standings and a year later was third overall after battling with Maverick Vinales and Alex Rins down to the final round in Valencia.
“He also finished on the podium three times in 41 appearances in the Moto2 World Championship, including a second place pace in the opening round of 2016 at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.
“The FIM, Dorna, IRTA, RFME and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya wishes to pass on its condolences to the family, friends and team of Salom.”
Salom’s death is the first at a MotoGP world championship event since Marco Simoncelli lost his life in the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix.