Moto2: Takahashi loses brother in road accident - Updated

News sources in Japan are reporting that Koki Takahashi, brother of Gresini Moriwaki Moto2 star Yuki, has died following a road car accident.

23-year-old Koki raced full-time in the Japanese Championships, but had also made three wild-card appearances in grand prix racing at his home round.

Koki entered the 250cc race in 2005 and 2006, finishing 16th and 20th, then rode to 34th in last year's Motegi Moto2 event, riding an RBB chassis for the Burning Blood team.

Koki was returning from a charity event to raise funds for the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami when the fatal accident occurred.

Yuki, a 250cc and Moto2 grand prix winner, is currently ninth in this year's 600cc World Championship, the third round of which is in Portugal this weekend.

Takahashi intends to ride at Estoril.

"I am so sad at the moment it is hard for me to even think back to the last race at Jerez or wonder what I might be capable of at Estoril," he said.

"No doubt I will take to the track with Koki in my mind. He was only 23 and I want to race in his honour. That is what he would have wanted so I will do everything in my power to cope with it."

Takahashi's team manager, Fausto Gresini, added: "There are no words to reflect the tragedy of such a young death. It is a very sad time and the whole team will be supporting Yuki. It is a great pleasure to have him with us at Estoril and we hope he can honour his brother Koki in the best possible way."

Crash.net sends its condolences to Takahashi's family and friends.