A tragic incident occurred during a practice session at the Interlagos track in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where a young motorbike rider lost his life. Lorenzo Somaschini, a nine-year-old rider from Argentina, was participating in the free practice for the Honda Junior Cup when he was involved in a crash that resulted in serious injuries.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention and being initially stabilised, Lorenzo’s condition deteriorated, and he was transferred to intensive care. Tragically, he passed away at Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital on Monday. The news has left the motorbike racing community in shock, with event organisers SuperBike Brazil expressing their deepest condolences to Lorenzo’s family and friends.
Known affectionately as Lolo, the junior rider had the number 99 on his bike as a tribute to three-time MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo. The retired Spanish rider, who was idolized by Lorenzo, expressed his sadness on social media, highlighting the unpredictable nature of motorcycle racing.
The Honda Junior Cup, where the tragic incident occurred, is an event designed for young riders aged between eight and 16. The modified motorbikes used in the competition feature specially adapted pedals and handlebars, allowing young participants to reach speeds of up to 100km (62 miles) per hour.
This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the risks involved in motorbike racing, especially for young riders pursuing their passion on the track. The safety measures and protocols in place aim to minimize such tragic incidents, but as Jorge Lorenzo pointed out, the sport can be unpredictable and unforgiving.
The loss of a young talent like Lorenzo Somaschini has deeply affected the motorbike racing community, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and care when it comes to ensuring the safety of riders, especially at junior events. Our thoughts are with Lorenzo’s family, friends, and everyone touched by this tragedy during this difficult time.