SEPANG: An Indonesian motorbike rider competing in a tournament to promote young talent died Saturday after an accident at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, officials said, triggering tributes from the racing community.
Afridza Munandar, 20, was involved in the incident on turn 10 in the first lap of the race which took place after qualifying for Sunday’s MotoGP, they said.
Reports said he was involved in a crash with another rider. The race, part of the Asia Talent Cup, was red-flagged following the accident and then cancelled.
He received medical treatment by the side of the track and was then taken by helicopter to a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, MotoGP said in a statement.
“Despite the best efforts of circuit medical staff and those at the hospital, Munandar sadly succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter,” it said. – AFP
