Tragedy mars opening day of Macau Motorcycle GP
Portuguese rider Luis Carreira is killed as he is thrown off bike in fiery crash at Fisherman's Bend, becoming 2nd fatality at event in seven years
Tragedy struck on the first day of racing at the Macau Grand Prix yesterday when Portuguese motorbike rider Luis Carreira died during qualifying.
The 35-year-old came off his Suzuki at Fisherman's Bend, one of the razor-sharp corners along the Guia circuit through the streets of Macau. His bike burst into flames and though Carreira was thrown clear, he lay motionless at the side of the track.
He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead 20 minutes after arrival.
It was the second death of a motorbike rider in seven years at the track. It was also the second serious bike accident of the day, with Italian rider Stefano Bonetti in hospital last night after suffering multiple fractures when he crashed during qualifying.
Defending the safety record, Joao Manuel Costa Antunes, co-ordinator of the Macau Grand Prix committee, said: "In over 60 years of the Grand Prix, the record can be considered acceptable."
He added that compared to other sports, motorcycle racing was dangerous. "Those involved in motorsport and motorbikes know exactly what I'm saying," he said.
Carreira's accident immediately looked serious and observers feared the worst. The session was immediately halted and abandoned shortly afterwards.