Moto2 rider Tomizawa dies in San Marino crash

Tomizawa, 19, was travelling at full speed when he lost control before colliding with the bikes of Alex De Angelis and Scott Redding.

The Suter team rider was thrown 40 metres and was immediately taken to the Hospital of Riccione, but he died of his injuries at 2.20pm local time (1.20pm BST).

"On Sunday September 5 during the Moto2 race, rider Shoya Tomizawa aged 19 suffered a serious crash and subsequent cranial, thoracic and abdominal trauma," a statement released by Race Direction on the official MotoGP's website read.

"Tomizawa was taken to the Hospital of Riccione for immediate treatment, but succumbed to his injuries at 14.20.

"All the MotoGP family wants to express its deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Tomizawa, who won the first ever Moto2 race in Qatar at the start of the season and was seventh in the overall standings, had completed 15 laps of the Misano circuit before the crash in dry conditions.

Dani Pedrosa, who won the following MotoGP race, was left shell-shocked by the news.

"It feels so strange - there is a big hole inside me," he said.

"I was so happy and then I was told and this big hole opened up inside me."

Reigning MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi said that he had feared the worst after seeing the crash. "When it happens like this nothing else matters," the Italian said.

"I saw the crash on TV and it was terrifying. I thought he was dead. I am very sorry, but then we had to race and try and concentrate. Shoya was a very funny guy and a nice one too."