There are many reasons why MotoGP is not only the oldest and most entertaining race, but also the deadliest. The evolution of bikes over the years has increased the excitement as bikes can now run at the speed of a bullet. Apart from entertainment, the death toll has also increased. Many cyclists have lost their lives during the race. Here are the 10 most famous MotoGP riders who have died.
1 – Marco Simoncelli
The Italian cyclist has one of the best business skills in the world. He conquered the world in no time with his exceptional riding skills. However, during a Grand Prix race in 2011, he met with one of the deadliest accidents and could not survive.
Marco was under contract with Honda and competing in the Malaysian Grand Prix when he lost control of his bike. He eventually connected with legendary cyclists Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards. As a result, he fell off the motorcycle and rolled on the ground.
Traffic officials quickly red-flagged and Marco was taken to hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead. It is one of the most tragic deaths caught live at a MotoGP event.
2 – Shoya Tomizawa
Shoya Tomizawa is the next rider on our list. He is one of the most impressive riders Japan has ever produced, and he impressed the world at an early age. In 2010 he appeared in the MotoGP Grand Prix and competed in the Grand Prix of San Marino and Rimini and played for Suter.
After a sharp turn, he could not control the bike and collided with another cyclist. Both bikes overturned and Shoya became immobile after being dragged along the road. The rescuers immediately checked him, but he had lost his life.
3 – Ivan Palazzese
Early German professional cyclist Ivan Palazzese also collapsed during the race after suffering a brutal crash. Palazzese was a young beauty and had incredible riding skills. But everything ended in 1989.
Ivan was competing in the German Grand Prix when he met with the deadliest accident that cost him his life. During the April race, he hit a rival rider on the track while making a sharp turn.
After dragging the road for 100+ meters, he received severe neck and back injuries, which prevented him from opening his eyes the next time.
4 – Daijiro Kato
A promising Japanese rider, Kato had an uncanny ability to make sharp turns look so easy. However, luck did not help him at the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix, which was held on his home turf. Halfway through, he crashed violently into the side boundary after falling off his bike.
Kato received several neck and head injuries, skull bones were sent. Thus, he died on the spot, leaving an irreparable mark on Grand Prix racing. MotoGP rider salaries reported.
5 – Simon Prior
The 1994 German Grand Prix was a nightmare for MotoGP fans in the UK. In 1994, he was racing for LCR when he suffered a fatal crash that left him immobilized.
Pryor was leading the race when he eventually lost control and flipped over. The impact was so severe that he became immobile.
6 – Peter Huber
In 1983, Peter Huber took part in the British Grand Prix, one of the most famous races in the history of the sport, as a professional MotoGP rider from Switzerland. He was one of two riders to die in that race. Despite starting his career at a very young age and winning early in his career, the Swiss rider was killed in a crash at the 1983 event, ending his career prematurely.
7 – Norman Brown
In 1983, Norman Brown also died at the British Grand Prix, in the same race as Huber. Both riders collided on lap six and Brown flipped off his bike. His momentum caused him to fall onto the road and be dragged some distance, breaking his ribs and eventually causing his death. As a result, the 23-year-old British man died in front of his home audience.
8 – Rolf Ruttiman
Another Swiss professional MotoGP rider is on the list. Coincidentally, he also crashed in 1983. Ruttiman was competing at the Yugoslavian Grand Prix where he tragically lost his life in one of MotoGP’s saddest events. When Rolf made a sharp turn, the tire slipped and he fell to the ground. He suffered severe head injuries and immediately collapsed on the spot. Medical reports confirmed his death immediately after the accident.
9 – Michael Frutsch
1983 saw another fatality in MotoGP, making 1983 the deadliest year in MotoGP history. Swiss professional MotoGP rider Michael Fritsch was a member of the Honda team in 1983. During the race, a sidewall collapse at the French Grand Prix killed the Swiss specialist. Iwao Ishiawa also died during practice just a few days ago, making his death alarming for MotoGP organizers.
10 – Jock Taylor
In 1982, Taylor suffered a fatal crash at the Finnish Grand Prix, ending his run of success. He was undoubtedly one of MotoGP’s most impressive and skilled riders, but was unable to continue his success for many years. During the event, Taylor, representing the Windle team, slipped and collided with other riders, resulting in his death. Another British MotoGP rider has died in tragedy.
These are the 10 most famous MotoGP riders who died while racing. If anything changes, we’ll let you know. Stay with us!
These are top 10 most famous MotoGP riders who died during the race. If anything changes, we’ll let you know. Stay with us!