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Andreas Perez dead: 14-year-old Moto3 rider dies following crash at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

The teenager succumbed to his injuries at Hospital Sant Pau on Monday morning after the incident in the second race the previous day

Monday 11 June 2018 13:32 BST
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Andreas Perez died following a crash on Sunday
Andreas Perez died following a crash on Sunday (Facebook)

Teenage Moto3 rider Andreas Perez has died following a serious accident during Sunday's race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The 14-year-old, who was part of the Reale Avintia Racing team in the Junior World Championship, succumbed to his injuries at Hospital Sant Pau on Monday morning after the incident in the second race the previous day.

A statement on the MotoGP website, read: "Following an incident during round four of the FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Championship at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, it is with great sadness that we report the passing of Andreas Perez Manresa.

"The incident happened in the second race of the day for the Moto3 category, with the red flag shown immediately. The rider received medical attention at the side of the track before then being transferred to the hospital by helicopter.

"Despite the best efforts of the circuit medical staff and those at the hospital, Perez sadly succumbed to his injuries on the morning of June 11th.

"The FIM, Dorna, the RFME and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya wish to pass on their condolences to the family, friends and team of Perez."

Perez impressed in last year's European Talent Cup as he claimed two wins and a number of further podium finishes to end 2017 fourth in the rider standings before making the move to the Moto3 Junior World Championship.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (Getty)

Reale Avintia Racing posted on their website: "Andreas Perez (was) admitted (to hospital) with very serious brain injuries and shortly after was diagnosed brain death. Although his heart kept beating and despite many efforts, finally the doctors could not do anything to save his life. Andreas has not been able to win this race. We have lost a great driver, but above all a great person and we will miss him very much. The team and all its sponsors want to convey all the support of the world and a lot of encouragement to the family of Andreas in these difficult times."

Fellow Reale Avintia rider in MotoGP Tito Rabat tweeted: "Very sad about the loss of one of the youngest members of our team. Rest in peace, Andreas. My condolences to your family and friends."

Moto3 racing rival Jorge Martin Almoguera also paid tribute as he tweeted: "Rest in peace, ANDREAS! very unfair sometimes our sport taking a talent of 14 years! A lot of strength to the family!”

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