Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier dies after shocking crash

Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier has tragically passed away after a horror crash saw him rushed to hospital in a highly critical condition.

Swiss Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier, victim of a horrific crash in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, has sadly passed away, his racing team have announced.

Pruestel GP released a statement on Facebook: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Jason Dupasquier.

“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.”

MotoGP confirmed on Twitter: “We’re deeply saddened to report the loss of Jason Dupasquier.

“On behalf of the entire MotoGP family, we send our love to his team, his family and loved ones.

“You will be sorely missed, Jason. Ride in peace.”

Dupasquier was involved in a horrible crash in Moto3. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)

Dupasquier fell and was struck by another bike, before sliding along the track, during Saturday’s qualifying. Doctors rushed to the scene and after attending to him for 40 minutes on the circuit had him airlifted to hospital.

The 19-year-old underwent chest surgery overnight “for a vascular lesion.”

A spokesman for the Careggi hospital told AFP: “Severe brain damage persists. He remains in intensive care in a very serious condition.”

His team, Pruestel GP, pulled out of Sunday’s race following the accident.

Tom Luthi, who races in Moto2, also withdrew from Sunday’s Grand Prix to be close to Dupasquier’s family at the hospital, his team SAG Racing announced.

The previous fatality in the motorcycling world championship was Spain’s Luis Salom, who died at the 2016 Catalonia Moto2 Grand Prix in Barcelona.

The moment Jason Dupasquier collided with another rider.

Japan’s Ayumu Sasaki and Spain’s Jeremy Alcoba were the other riders involved in the accident which delayed the MotoGP fourth practice. Organisers reported that both were “fine”.

Alcoba went on to qualify sixth fastest for the race, with Sasaki 10th. The MotoGP championship leader Fabio Quartararo dedicated his pole-clinching qualifying lap to Dupasquier on Saturday.

“I hope he’s OK. I’m praying for him and I’m praying for his family,” said Yamaha’s French rider.

My deepest condolences to Jason Dupasquier's family, friends and team.

Ride in peace Jason. https://t.co/Y7kiVkabEF

— Jorge Lorenzo (@lorenzo99) May 30, 2021

Formula 1 star Sergio Perez led tributes for the teenager: “Very sad news! All my prayers with Jason and his family. Rip champ…”

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz tweeted: “So sad to read this. Rest In Peace champ.”

Williams driver George Russell posted: “Motorsport can be so cruel. Thinking of the family and friends of Jason Dupasquier and everyone in the MotoGP paddock. Ride in peace, Jason.”

Dupasquier, whose father Philippe was a former motocross rider, was in his second season in Moto3.

He broke his left femur in 2018, forcing him to miss that season’s Red Bull Rookies Cup.

Racing for his German team, he finished his rookie Moto3 campaign last year without a point in 28th in the overall standings.

– with AFP