Luis Salom has died after a crash in practice ahead of the Catalunya Grand Prix
Friday 3 June 2016 18:01, UK
Spanish Moto2 rider Luis Salom has died after crashing during a free practice session at the Catalunya Grand Prix.
The 24-year-old was taken to hospital after the crash and underwent surgery but the medical team were unable to save his life due to the severity of his injuries.
A MotoGP statement read: "Following an incident during 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).
"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 the 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 4.55pm local time."
Salom made his world championship debut at Jerez in 2009 in the 125cc category and finished on the podium 25 times, with nine wins in the Moto3 category.
He was runner-up in the 2012 Moto3 world championship and third overall in 2013.
He also finished on the podium three times in 41 appearances in the Moto2 world championship, including a second place in the opening round of 2016 at Losail in Qatar.
Salom is the first rider to die during a world championship event since Italian Marco Simoncelli crashed during the Malaysian MotoGP race at Sepang in October 2011.
