Italian Salvadori dies, Grams seriously injured

Frohburg. The last round of the International Road Racing Championship on the Frohburger Dreieck is the highlight of the racing calendar for drivers and racing fans. This year, however, it will remain associated with sad memories. At the 61st edition, there was a serious accident that ended in the death of the Italian Superbike rider Luca Maurizio Salvadori. The incident occurred on Saturday during the SBK/Superstock 1000 class race, in which riders such as local hero Didier Grams also took part. Grams was also involved in the accident and was treated in hospital on Sunday evening with serious injuries.

Didier Grams himself believes the weekend up to this point has been almost perfect. After an injury-related retirement, the Saxon felt fit to compete again on his BMW. His opponent, the 32-year-old Salvadoran, also quickly got used to the traditional street circuit. For Salvadori, it was the first race in Frohburg – which took a completely unexpected turn for the two drivers. “Up until the incident, it was a great weekend for us.” Didier felt comfortable on his BMW, was able to drive good lap times and was clearly having fun. A podium finish would certainly have been possible,” said Jens Grams, Didier's father and team manager, describing his first impressions from Saturday.

Grams fell, Salvadori tried to avoid

As the last item on the day's program, the Open class race was meant to get fans and riders in the mood for the IRRC races that were still to follow on Sunday. However, the accident occurred on the first lap. “It was Didier's fault that he fell unexpectedly.” “His motorcycle was sideways and Didier fell,” said Gram's father. Salvadori pursued Grams, was unable to avoid him and went off the track. The rescue team and the emergency doctor rushed to the scene and treated both motorcycle racers on site.

Despite all efforts, the Italian died in hospital late on Saturday evening as a result of the accident. Salvadori's racing team, the Broncos Racing Team, issued a statement on Sunday morning: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the loss of our Luca Salvadori. After an accident on the Frohburg race track, the numerous injuries he suffered did not allow him to keep going and he has left us. We express our deepest condolences.” Didier Grams was also seriously injured in the crash. In addition to broken wrists, the BMW driver sustained injuries to his foot and ribs and was taken directly to a Chemnitz hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment.

LVZ