Isle of Man TT 2023: Raul Torras Martinez has died

Raul Torras Martinez has been killed in a crash during the opening Supertwin race at the 2023 Isle of Man TT.

The 46-year-old crashed at the Alpine section of the course between the 16^th and 17^th mile markers on the final lap of the three-lap race. Martinez was competing on his Optimark Road Racing Aprilia RS 660.

Raul was competing at his fifth TT, having made his debut in 2017, and had recorded his fastest-ever lap of the Mountain Course earlier in the day, lapping at an average speed of 125.470mph during the Superstock race. The Spaniard, from Sant Hilari Sacalm, Girona, finished that race in 20^th position.

Martinez was the fastest-ever Spaniard at the TT. He competed in 21 TT races and his performances saw him secure a total of 18 Bronze replicas. His best-ever result was 15th in the 2022 Supertwin race.

“An incredibly popular member of the paddock family, Raul’s smile was infectious and his love for the TT and the sport of road racing was apparent to anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him,” a statement from the Isle of Man TT organisers said.

“When asked what his ambitions in road racing were, he has said “to have fun with the bike, and to be able to fight for a top-20 finish at the TT in a 1000cc class”. On his journey to reaching and achieving his racing ambition, he became the fastest Spaniard ever to have raced around the TT Mountain Course.

“Away from the TT, Raul was regular competitor at the North West 200 and had also competed at the Ulster Grand Prix and the Macau Grand Prix.

“Racing was Raul’s life and the loss of such a passionate and spirited gentleman will be felt deeply by the entire TT community.”

Our thoughts are with Raul’s family, friends and team at this difficult time.