Up and coming Japanese rider Shoya Tomizawa died after sustaining what turned out to be fatal injuries to his head, chest and abdomen during the eleventh round of the inaugural Moto2 World Championship at the Misano World Circuit in Italy on Sunday.
The 19-year old of team Technomag-CIP was in fourth position on lap 16 of the curtain raiser to the San Marino Grand Prix of the senior MotoGP series, when he was forced wide on turn 11 (a fast right-hander) and lost grip on his rear tyre. As he went down he was hit by Italian Alex de Angelis (JiR) and Brit Scott Redding (Marc VDS), who both also tumbled but suffered only minor injuries.
The medical team at the event reported that Tomizawa had suffered “cranial, thoracic and abdominal trauma” and put him on artificial respiration before transporting him to a nearby hospital in Riccione by ambulance. Unfortunately Tomizawa succumbed to the massive injuries and was pronounced dead at 14h20 local time.
The Japanese was sixth in the championship standings in his rookie season – with a win at the season opener in Qatar, two pole positions, and a second place. Having started racing at only three-years old, Tomizawa was a rising talent and landed a ride in the 125cc class of the All Japan Road Race Championship, finishing runner-up for the 2006 season as well as earning the rookie of the year title.
Progressing to 250 cc the following year, Tomizawa finished runner up in the 250 cc class in 2008, and went on to take the title in 2009.
Having made as statement as an up-and-coming rider in the season opener in Moto2 this year, there was no doubt that Tomizawa was destined for the senior series of MotoGP.
All of us at CARmag.co.za extend our deepest sympathies to Tomizawa's family, team and friends.
