A sadness covered Misano Sunday, after the tragic death of Japanese Moto2 rider Shoya Tomizawa. His untimely death has led to scores of riders expressing their grief at the loss of one of the most popular, charismatic and talented young riders in the paddock. Tomizawa was the first ever rider to win a Moto2 event, the inaugural event in Qatar, and the winner of yesterday’s race, Toni Elias led the tributes.
“All I feel is sadness right now and my victory today is irrelevant. I was talking and joking with Tomizawa only yesterday in the Clinica Mobile and to think that he is no longer with us is truly awful. Even today we were out there racing together when he was in front of me before this incredible tragedy. He has left an indelible mark on my life.”
ElÃas Team Manager Fausto Gresini, who was in charge of the last rider to die in action, Daijiro Kato, when he passed away at Suzuka in 2003 said, “Today is a very sad and very tough day, when racing doesn’t feel like it should. I know just how hard it is to lose a rider in these circumstances and I know the pain that his family and all the guys on the team who worked with him are feeling right now. There is little more to say.”
MotoGP race winner, Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa was visibly shaken after being told the news said, “There are no words to say how it feels after this victory – it feels like nothing. It's so sad, terrible, and these things should never happen. As a person I can only say that he was a very funny boy, always happy and making jokes, and as a rider he earned respect from everybody in a very short time, he was fast and brave.”
Championship leader, FIAT Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo said, “I don’t have many words for the race on such a sad say. It’s a huge pity because he was a good guy and a strong rider. I am so sad and I just want to say how sorry I am for his family and his friends. When this happens nothing else matters.”
9 time World Champion, Valentino Rossi followed Lorenzo, saying, “I’m so sorry for Shoya because he was a strong rider but above all he was very 'sympatico.’ He was very funny, always smiling and he always had nice things to say to everyone. He was also very young with a great career ahead of him so we are all very sad.”
Ducati’s Casey Stoner said, “I am deeply saddened for Tomizawa, his family and everybody who worked with him. It is something truly terrible and it left me breathless, like a week ago (the death of Peter Lenz). It was a pleasure to watch him ride and I was looking forward to see him have a great career.”
Stoner’s teammate, Nicky Hayden added, “I am really sad, we have lost two riders in two weekends. My thoughts are with his family and his team but I think the whole paddock has been hit hard by this tragedy. At the end of the day we are all brothers here. We have lost a talented kid with a great personality. I loved his style, his determination and the smile he always wore.”
Andrea Dovizioso said, “My thoughts are with Shoya Tomizawa. I was informed after the race and the news is like a slap in the face. Two tragic accidents in two races is so terrible and it reminds us how dangerous is our job. The safety commission has improved safety levels so much that we often forget this aspect. I'm so sorry for Tomizawa's family. Having become a father I can understand that this is the worst thing that can happen for a family.”
Ãlvaro Bautista added, “When we had finished the race I heard the news about Tomizawa and I am just so sorry for him and all his family. It is a hard day for all riders, I am sure he will stay with us always and I hope he is now in a better place.”
Fellow Spaniard Héctor Barberá commented: “After learning about what has happened to Tomizawa, I am speechless. I was told about it as soon as I got off the bike, and it is very difficult to take something like that in. Today’s result doesn’t really matter anymore. Shoya was a great rider who always gave his all on the bike. He was also a great person who was always smiling and with whom I got on well. I want to send my thoughts to his family and friends.”
A rider who competed alongside Tomizawa last year in the 250cc category, Marco Simoncelli finished, saying, “There is not much to say – it’s been a tough day and the race is insignificant. Two tragedies in a week is too much. Last Sunday a boy of just 13 and today Tomizawa, who was only 19. When something like this happens it is simply terrible and I feel so sorry.”