KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA. (THECOUNT) — MotoGP support series Asia Talent Cup has announced the death of Indonesian motorcycle racer Afridza Munandar, who died Saturday from injuries sustained in a crash during a race in Malaysia, according to reports.
Munandar, 20, was killed during opening race of the 2019 ATC finale at the Sepang Circuit for MotoGP qualifying on Saturday.
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MotoGP said Munandar was 27 points off Matusyama’s lead, but with 50 points was still in play, when the fatal crash occurred Saturday.
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, reports MotorSport.
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 succumbed to his injuries.
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.”
Funeral arrangement have not yet been announced.
DEVELOPING::
Geo quick facts: Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. Its modern skyline is dominated by the 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers, a pair of glass-and-steel-clad skyscrapers with Islamic motifs. The towers also offer a public skybridge and observation deck. The city is also home to British colonial-era landmarks such as the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building – wikipedia.