R.I.P. Luis Salom

Sad news comes from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the announcement was made that Luis Salom passed, succumbing to injuries from a crash during today’s Moto2 Free Practice 2. He was 24 years old.

The session was red flagged, and ultimately stopped, with just under 25 minutes remaining after the Spanish rider fell at turn 12.

The official statement said that two medical cars and then two ambulances were immediately on scene to treat the Salom and the medical helicopter was also deployed to assist in his treatment. Due the severity of his condition, the decision was taken to transfer Salom by road to the nearby Hospital General de Catalunya. On arrival, he underwent surgery, but despite the best efforts of the trauma team, he passed away at 4:55 p.m. local time.

Salom made his World Championship debut at Jerez in 2009 in the 125cc category. He finished on the podium in 25 races, including nine victories in the Moto3 World Championship. He finished the 2012 Moto3 World Championship in second position in the standings and a year later was third overall after battling with Maverick Vinales and Alex Rins down to the final round in Valencia.

The Spaniard also finished on the podium three times in 41 appearances in the Moto2 World Championship, including more recently, a second place pace in the opening round of 2016 at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.