Luis Salom has died after succumbing to injuries sustained in a crash during FP2 at the Catalunya Grand Prix this afternoon. The 24-year-old Spaniard lost control of his SAG Team Kalex at turn twelve and the session was immediately red flagged in order for Salom to receive medical attention.
Two medical cars and a further two ambulances were immediately dispatched to the scene to treat Salom while the medical helicopter was quickly 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, Luis passed away at 1655pm local time.
Salom was a popular figure throughout the MotoGP paddock and enjoyed 28 Grand Prix podiums across the 125/Moto3 and Moto2 classes, including nine wins. His most successful year in 2013 saw him compete for the Moto3 world championship, taking the battle all the way to the final race before losing out to Maverick Vinales.
Upon moving up to Moto2, Salom claimed three podium finishes, the most recent of which came in this season’s opening race at Losail and he went into this weekend’s race tenth in the championship.
The thoughts of everyone at The Checkered Flag go out to the family and friends of Salom who will be sorely missed by the entire motorsport family.
Luis Salom 1991-2016
