WorldSBK teams share touching messages in the wake of Dean Berta Vinales death

Following the sad death of WorldSSP300 rider Dean Berta Vinales, WorldSBK teams have shared their condolences towards the late Spaniard’s family, friends and team. 

At the age of just 15, Berta Vinales suffered fatal head and thoracic injuries during an accident involving four other riders. 

Berta Vinales, cousin to MotoGP rider Maverick was currently in his first year in the WorldSSP300 class and sat 22nd in the championship standings ahead of today’s race one at Jerez. 

The horror accident led to WorldSBK officials bringing Saturday’s action to an immediate end. 

Vinales is the second world championship support series rider to pass away this year after former Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier tragically lost his life at Mugello. 

Following the announcement from Dorna, Team HRC released a statement saying: "We are all shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Dean Berta Viñales in today’s Supersport 300 World Championship’s Race 1 at the Circuit de Jerez in Spain.

"Honda and the entire Team HRC send their sincerest condolences to Dean’s family, friends, and team."

Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager also expressed his condolences on behalf of the Japanese manufacturer: "While we are all aware of the risks involved in motorcycle racing, it doesn’t make it any easier when the sport claims a life as it has done today. 

"Dean Berta Viñales started his World Championship career this season and his recent results marked him out as a future star of the class. 

"Although mere words cannot bring comfort at this time, everyone at Yamaha Racing offers their sincere condolences to Dean's family, friends, and team."

Everyone at Kawasaki Racing Team is devastated and we wish to send our most heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and team of Dean Berta Viñales pic.twitter.com/IPxRwWW62N

— KRT WorldSBK (@KRT_WorldSBK) September 25, 2021