Asia Talent Cup rider Munandar killed in Sepang crash
MotoGP support series Asia Talent Cup has confirmed that Indonesian rider Afridza Munandar has passed away from injuries sustained in a crash during a race in Malaysia on Saturday.
Afridza Munandar
MotoGP
The opening race of the 2019 ATC finale at the Sepang Circuit got underway after MotoGP qualifying earlier today.
On the opening lap, at Turn 10, Munandar was involved in an incident with Japanese rider Shinji Ogu and the race was red-flagged immediately while both riders received trackside medical assistance.
Munandar was subsequently taken by air to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, while Ogu was reported as conscious and taken by ambulance.
Despite the best efforts of the medical team at the hospital, Munandar tragically succumbed to his injuries. He was just 20 years old.
Munandar enjoyed a strong campaign in the ATC in 2019, scoring two victories and four other podiums, and was just 27 points from standings leader Takuma Matsuyama ahead of this weekend’s final two races.
In a statement released confirming Munandar’s death, the FIM says: “The FIM, Dorna Sports and all those in the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup pass on our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Munandar.”
Following the announcement, Dorna's Talent Promotion Director and current Honda team boss Alberto Puig assembled a meeting with all ATC riders to vote on how to proceed with the weekend.
All riders voted to continue racing on Sunday, though any who wish to sit out the final contest of the season has the "full support and understanding" of organisers.
A minute of silence will be observed on the grid at 11:20am local time on Sunday in memory of Munandar.
Motorsport Network would like to pass on its deepest sympathies to Munandar’s loved ones.
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