Swiss rider Jason Dupasquier, 19, dies after serious accident in Moto3 qualifier in Italy
- Dupasquier was hit by another bike after falling from his own and slid down the track during qualifying on Saturday at Mugello in Italy
- Japan’s Ayumu Sasaki, who was also involved in the crash, was unhurt
Swiss Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier has died as a result of injuries sustained in an accident, MotoGP announced on Sunday.
The 19-year-old was hit by another bike after falling from his own and slid down the track during qualifying on Saturday at Mugello in Italy.
“Following a serious incident in the Moto3 qualifying 2 session at the Gran Premio d'Italia Oakley, it is with great sadness that we report the passing of Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier,” a statement said.
Dupasquier of Germany's Pruestel team was firstly treated on the track and then taken to the hospital. Japan's Ayumu Sasaki, who was also involved in the crash, was unhurt.
It was reported Dupasquier was being treated by doctors on the circuit for more than half an hour after the incident before being flown to hospital, where he underwent surgery on his chest. The young driver also suffered severe brain damage as a result of the crash.
“Despite the best efforts of circuit medical staff and all those subsequently attending to the Swiss rider, the hospital has announced that Dupasquier has sadly succumbed to his injuries,” MotoGP said.
Jean Todt, head of the FIA governing body, tweeted: “Devastated by this tragic news. Deepest condolences and prayers to Jason’s family.”
Dupasquier was in his second season in MotoGP's lightweight class and was in the top 10 in the overall standings heading into the weekend.
Despite the first death in the motorbike championship in five years, the Moto2, Moto3 and MotoGP races all took place at Mugello on Sunday. Tributes were paid to Dupasquier at the track and the paddock later observed a minute's silence.
The Moto3 race was won by Dennis Foggia. Dupasquier's Pruestel team decided not to race with their other rider Ryusei Yamanaka of Japan, while Dupasquier compatriot Tom Luethi also did not start his Moto2 race.
MotoGP race winner Fabio Quartararo of France paid a tribute by waving the Swiss flag for the cameras and placing it over his bike.
“We're devastated, and at this time all of our thoughts are with Jason's family. You'll be sorely missed and never forgotten, Jason,” Pruestel team wrote on Facebook.
The young Swiss is the 30th fatality in the championship history since 1970.
In recent years, serious accidents have happened less frequently because of greater safety and protective measures such as airbags in the riders’ racing suits, but the unprotected neck area remains a risk.
Before Dupasquier, the Spaniard Luis Salom died in 2016 and the Italian Marco Simoncelli in 2011 after crashes.
