31 March 2024 , 18:23
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The tragedy occurred in what is widely considered to be the curtain-raiser for the start of the motorcycle racing season
A MOTORCYCLIST has died after a fatal crash while competing in the Racefoxx 1000 Kilometers at the Hockenheimring in Germany.
The unnamed 21-year-old fell and died from "serious injuries" obtained on Saturday.
According to German media, police are not yet able to reveal the cause of the accident.
The Mannheim traffic service have started an investigation as they look to "reconstruct the fall with the involvement of an expert".
A rescue helicopter was deployed immediately after the accident, along with police and emergency services.
The 271-lap race was immediately cancelled.
All remaining races on Saturday were also abandoned.
The race is a part of the German Endurance Cup and widely considered to be the start of the motorcycle racing season.
The Hockenheimring is a legendary Formula One circuit that played host to the German Grand Prix between 1977 and 2006.
The only time it did not host the race during that 29-year period was in 1985 when it was held at the Nurburgring.
In 2007 it then began alternating with the Nurburgring, meaning the race was hosted at the Hockenheimring in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019.
But a German Grand Prix has not taken place at all since Max Verstappen’s triumph five years ago.
The next German Endurance Cup race is scheduled to take place at the Nurburgring in May.
Lewis Hamilton is among the most famous drivers to have won at the HockenheimringCredit: Reuters
Max Verstappen won the last German Grand Prix in 2019Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Michael Schumacher also won the German GP at the HockenheimringCredit: Getty