The world of Motorcycle Grand Prix Racing is in mourning following the death of Japanese rider Shoya Tomizawa at the San Marino Grand Prix.

Tomizawa was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to serious injuries.

The incident happened on lap 12 of the Moto2 race when Tomizawa, who was lying fourth at the time, crashed coming on to the back straight.

The Japanese rider then slid into the path of Alex de Angelis who could do nothing to avid the fallen rider.

British rider Scott Reading was also involved in the crash and he was taken to the track medical centre where he was reported to be conscious and talking with medical staff and his team.

The tragedy overshadowed the main event where Spain’s Dani Pedrosa won another race ahead of series leader Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.

Traditional Celebrations were suspended following the news of the tragedy.

All three riders paid tribute to Tomizawa in the post race press conference and were clearly upset by the news.

It was the second death in major Motorcycle racing in the space of one week with the death of 13 year old  rider Peter Lenz at Indianapolis last week.