Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier, who was just 19, has died after he was involved in a crash at the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello on Saturday afternoon.
The 19-year-old Swiss rider lost control and fell off his bike at turn 9 during qualifying before being struck by Ayumu Sasaki who was unable to avoid the impact and flew off off his own machine.
Jeremy Alcoba was also caught up in the aftermath as he arrived unsighted.
He was able to walked away but medics arrived to treat Sasaki and Dupasquier at the scene.
Dupasquier was receiving attention at the circuit for half an hour before he was taken to Florence hospital for further treatment.
A MotoGP statement, released immediately after Sunday's Moto3 race, said: "Following a serious incident in the Moto3 Qualifying 2 session at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, it is with great sadness that we report the passing of Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier.
"Dupasquier was involved in a multi-rider incident between Turns 9 and 10, with the session Red Flagged thereafter.
"FIM Medical Intervention Vehicles arrived at the site immediately and the Swiss rider was attended to on track before being transferred by medical helicopter, in a stable state, to Careggi Hospital in Florence.
"Despite the best efforts of circuit medical staff and all those subsequently attending to the Swiss rider, the hospital has announced that Dupasquier has sadly succumbed to his injuries.
"Dupasquier had made an impressive start to his second season in the lightweight class of Grand Prix racing, consistently scoring points and within the top ten in the standings.
"The FIM, IRTA, MSMA and Dorna Sports pass on our deepest condolences to Dupasquier’s family, friends, team and loved ones."
The MotoGP paddock will observe a moment of silence at 1.45pm local time at Mugello.
His team, Prustel GP, announced they would not be taking part in Sunday’s race.
Dupasquier is the first grand prix rider to lose his life on a race weekend since Moto2 racer Luis Salom tragically died from injuries sustained in a crash during practice for the 2016 Catalan Grand Prix.
He was in his second season in MotoGP’s lightweight class and was in the the top 10 in the overall standings heading into the weekend.
