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RI motorcycle racer Afridza dies in Malaysia
Afridza Munandar (Courtesy of Instgram/@asiatalentcup)Indonesian motorcycle racer Afridza Syach Munandar died on Saturday from injuries suffered in a crash during the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup race at Sepang International Circuit in Sepang, Malaysia
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Afridza Munandar (Courtesy of Instgram/@asiatalentcup)
Indonesian motorcycle racer Afridza Syach Munandar died on Saturday from injuries suffered in a crash during the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup race at Sepang International Circuit in Sepang, Malaysia. He was 20.
The incident occurred at turn 10 of the first lap, and the race was immediately halted thereafter, race organizers said on the cup’s official website, asiatalentcup.com.
“[Afridza] first received medical attention by the side of the track before being transferred to Kuala Lumpur Hospital by helicopter. Despite the best efforts of circuit medical staff and those at the hospital, Munandar sadly succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter,” stated the organizers.
The crash occurred after Afridza made contact with Japan’s Takuma Matsuyama during the race, Antara reported. Shortly after, Afridza was hit by another Japanese rider, Shinji Ogo.
To honor Afridza, the Asia Talent Cup (ATC) decided to retire the number four designation used by the Indonesian driver.
“Sad day for motorcycling. Afridza Munandar has passed away this afternoon after an accident in the Asian Talent Cup race! RIP Afridza.”
“The Indonesian rode the number four to the top of the podium twice in 2019 and took a number of further rostrum finishes to come third overall, making it a recognizable force at the front. It will now remain his number, synonymous with his impressive achievements in the ATC,” stated the organizers.
Afridza’s body will be flown to Jakarta on Sunday, according to Team Indonesia.
“The body is set to be flown to Jakarta before being transported to [Afridza’s] hometown in Tasikmalaya, West Java,” Charlie, Asia Talent Cup coordinator for Indonesia, said as quoted by Antara news agency. “He cannot be flown directly to Bandung [West Java] because of the cargo company’s limited service.”
Afridza’s crash reminded the racing world of a similar incident involving Italian Marco Simoncelli in 2011. Simoncelli collided in turn 11 with American rider Colin Edwards and fellow Italian Valentino Rossi during the Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang circuit.
Motorcycling racing community members, including star riders Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo from Spain, Britain’s Cal Crutchlow and Team Suzuki Ecstar expressed their condolences on social media.
“Sad day for motorcycling. Afridza Munandar has passed away this afternoon after an accident in the Asian Talent Cup race! RIP Afridza,” Marquez tweeted on his official account @marcmarquez93.
Meanwhile, Crutchlow tweeted: “Really sad news. Thoughts are with Afridza and all his family & friends at this time. Rest in peace.”
