Parents and team pay tribute to Shoya Tomizawa

The grief stricken parents and Moto2 team of Shoya Tomizawa have issued a statement paying tribute to the talented Japanese rider.

The 19-year was fatally injured in a three-rider incident during last Sunday’s Moto2 race at the Misano circuit.

His parents, team and sponsors from Technomag-CIP issued a joint statement paying homage to Tomizawa, who created history in April when he won the first ever Moto2 race at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.

The statement reads: ‘Shoya Tomizawa was one of the rays of sunshine in the paddock and within his team. He never missed an opportunity to dedicate a smile or a ‘hello’ to anybody he encountered.

‘He enjoyed having fun with his colleagues but was also a very professional rider who was spirited, and fully concentrated on the development of his bike after every ride.

‘All were impressed by his talent and his refined style of riding. He worked hard to give his maximum not only for himself but for everybody in his team, who had become a second family with whom he spent most of his free time between races.

‘We have not only lost a talented rider, we have lost a friend and a son who radiated the joy of life and transmitted a good feeling to all those around him. This will always remain in our memories.

‘We write these lines as a thank you to all those who have sent us messages of condolence during these past hours. Through these messages we have achieved a great feeling of warmth.

‘This great support shows that Shoya was not just appreciated by his own family and friends, but by many more.

‘Without Shoya nothing will be as it was before, but thanks to its passion for the sport and the encouragement of his family the Technomag-CIP team will continue its adventure and challenges in Moto2.’

His parents want us to keep his smile and mischievous look in our memory, and remember that he passed away doing what he loved.’