WSB Jerez: Dean Berta Viñales has died

World Supersport 300 rider Dean Berta Viñales has died following a multi-rider crash at Jerez this afternoon (September 25).

Viñales suffered severe head and thoracic injuries in the accident, which also involved Alejandro Carrion, Daniel Mogeda, Harry Khouri and Yeray Ruiz. The race was red flagged immediately and the remainder of the schedule for today was cancelled.

Medical vehicles arrived at the site of the crash immediately and Viñales was attended to on track, in the ambulance and at the circuit Medical Centre, but sadly succumbed to his injuries.

Viñales, who is the cousin of MotoGP rider Maverick Viñales, had been on an impressive run of form in his maiden Supersport 300 campaign. Riding for the family-run Viñales Racing Team aboard a Yamaha R3, the 15-year-old clinched a season-best of fourth at Magnry-Cours and also finished sixth in the second race in Barcelona last weekend.

Viñales was battling within the leading group again at Jerez today after starting the race from a season-best 10th on the grid.

Our thoughts are with Dean Berta Viñales’ family, friends, and team at this difficult time.