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      Why daredevil riders still flock to Isle of Man TT despite ‘world’s deadliest race’ claiming lives of 267 motorcyclists

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      WITH another rider perishing at the Isle of Man TT, the age-old question is being asked once again.Why do so many motorcyclists risk their lives every year in what has been dubbed the deadliest race in the world?
      The Isle of Man TT is known as the world’s deadliest raceCredit: Pacemaker
      Raul Torras Martinez, 40, became the latest victim this weekCredit: Facebook
      The answer from many of the competitors is that the danger is what makes the annual test of nerves so thrilling.
      This week Spanish motorcyclist Raul Torras Martinez, 40, became the 267th person to lose their life on the notorious 37.73-mile track since the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy began in 1907.
      Raul was clocking average speeds of 125 mph as he did the final lap this week, having taken part in 21 races over the past six years.
      Even though the TT is a time-trial, which means competitors are racing against the clock rather than overtaking each other on tight bends, it is incredibly perilous.
      READ MORE FEATURES
      TV presenter Guy Martin was lucky to escape a fireball crash in 2010Credit: Documentaires Auto/Moto
      He returned to racing despite fracturing his spine and bruising both lungsCredit: Alamy
      The main hazards are the trees, lamp posts, stone walls and steep banks on the edge of the 200 bends.
      The late motorcycle champ Barry Sheene called it “a suicide mission” and the track requires great skill to get around in one piece.
      Thousands apply, but only 60 solo competitors and 30 sidecar pairings get to take on the most dangerous race in motorsport.
      Dicing with death
      Peter Hickman, 36, who holds the lap record, says: “The danger is what makes it exciting.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      The two men tussling to have the record for the most Isle of Man TT wins know the risk of the sport.
      Former bricklayer John McGuinness, 51, who shares 23 wins with Michael Dunlop, said:  “During my first race in ’96, I lost my best mate in practice. A lad named Micky Lofthouse.
      “I wanted to go home, but I decided to do the race and see what it was like.”
      It’s an adrenaline rush like no other that kept tempting him back.
      John said: “You race through villages, woodland, over a mountain, big open areas, tight twisty bits, unbelievably fast bits. 
      “I’ve done extreme sports but I cannot find anything that comes even close.”
      Robert Dunlop in 2006 with sons Michael and WilliamCredit: Pacemaker Press
      Flowers are laid at the spot where Robert Dunlop was killed during a practice race in Northern Ireland in 2008Credit: PA:Press Association
      Dunlop, 34, who equalled John’s record this week, had even more reason to quit the sport.
      His dad Robert, legendary uncle Joey and brother William all died racing motorcycles – although none in the Isle of Man TT.
      I’ve done extreme sports but I cannot find anything that comes even closeJohn McGuinness
      Michael said: “Nobody in my mind would have went through what I’ve been through and come back to do this if they didn’t love motorbikes.
      “I personally love motorbikes, it’s been my life. I’ve had a fantastic lifestyle out of it.
      Four years prior to his death in 2018 aged 32, William told The Sun, “I don’t care if I die racing” because it will be over in “an instant”.
      Backlash over ban calls
      There have been calls for the Isle of Man TT to be banned.
      But that is unlikely because the island in the middle of the Irish Sea has its own independent-minded government.
      There are no speed limits for the population of 85,000 people and the event brings in close to an estimated £30 million a year.
      The spots for deadly accidents, not including the latest fatal smash this week
      Even the relatives of those riders who have died do not wish to see brakes put on the TT.
      Leanne Harper, whose partner Dan Kneen died instantly after colliding with a tree in 2018, said: “With the experiences he had and the euphoria he felt, that feeling of being on the edge, Dan lived way more than the average 30-year-old. 
      “They know the risks, but the passion and joy overcomes that. 
      “If he was to have the same experiences again, knowing the outcome, he would probably have still raced the TT.”
      Last year six riders did not make it off the island alive, which equalled the previous worst year for fatalities.
      Tragically, they included Roger Stockton, 56, and son Bradley Stockton, 21, from Crewe in Cheshire, who died when their motorcycle and sidecar hit a wall.
      Mark Purslow,  29, from Llanon in west Wales, died during qualifying.
      His sister Hana said: “He always said that if he was going to go, that was the way he was going to go.”
      Mark perished on the notorious Ballagarey corner – which is nicknamed Ballascarey.
      There is no place more dangerous than the TTGuy Martin
      TV presenter Guy Martin lost control of his bike there at 170mph in 2010, escaping the fireball that engulfed his vehicle.
      Despite fracturing his spine and bruising both lungs Guy went back the next year.
      He said in 2012: “The reason I ride a motorbike is because of the danger and there is no place more dangerous than the TT. I like pushing myself.
      “I don’t like routines, I like to be challenged and nothing beats the buzz of going round there.”
      Safety measures
      This year extra safety measures have been introduced in the hope that less families will be deprived of loved ones.
      It includes GPS monitoring and a digital red flag system, so officials can react quickly to any problems.
      There is also a huge emergency team on hand, for the inevitable crashes.
      Isle of Man TT medical chief Dr Gareth Davies said: “We have a system whereby there are trackside medics that will be at the rider’s side within a matter of seconds.
      “And then we have three different helicopters to support the racing, three response cars, and then about five or six different ambulances.”
      There’s no way they’re not thinking about what can go wrong or happenJohn McGuinness
      But there is always a huge risk when a rider travelling at 180 mph can hit a wall at any time.
      Even a veteran like McGuinness admits to feeling nervous before heading out to face the demon track.

      He said: “We cross each other’s paths and it’s like ‘how are you doing’ but I know they’ll all be s***ing themselves.
      “We just cover it up a bit more. There’s no way they’re not thinking about what can go wrong or happen.”
      Only 60 solo competitors and 30 sidecar pairings get to take on the most dangerous race in motorsportCredit: Alamy
      Riders have to navigate a treacherous mountain course More

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      I live on the Isle of Man and saw someone die in the TT – I haven’t watched a race since, there are too many deaths

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      AN Isle of Man resident admits they haven’t watched a TT race in 45 years.That’s after witnessing a horrific death at the world-famous annual event.
      An Isle of Man resident reckons there’s too many deaths at the annual eventCredit: Pacemaker
      After witnessing a fatality on the island he’s not watched a sidecar race sinceCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      There have been 267 fatalities since the TT began in 1911Credit: Pacemaker
      There were six deaths last year aloneCredit: Pacemaker
      The Isle of Man TT draws hundreds of brave racers each year, while thousands of spectators attend to watch the action.
      However, it’s garnered a reputation as one of the most dangerous events in sport due to the amount of deaths that have occurred.
      Since the TT began in 1911, there have been 267 fatalities.
      28 of those have come since 2013’s event.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      And there were six alone last year, with Welsh rider Mark Purslow the first tragic fatality.
      Frenchman Olivier Lavorel died several months later as a sidecar passenger.
      And this year’s race has already claimed its first victim, with Spaniard Raul Torras Martinez falling off his bike on Tuesday.
      One Isle of Man resident admits people living nearby need the TT for their businesses to survive each year.
      Most read in Motorsport
      But despite organisers’ efforts, he believes the number of deaths are out of control.
      And the resident himself hasn’t watched a sidecar race after witnessing a fatal tragedy in 1978.
      Jerry Carter told The Times: “For some people it’s their make or break, especially after Covid.
      “They’ll break even for the rest of the year and then make all their profit over the TT fortnight.
      “You get to May and think, ‘Oh, the TT’s coming’. Everybody gets a buzz about it.
      “I saw a fatality in a sidecar race in 1978 and I haven’t watched a sidecar race since.
      “There are too many deaths and they need to address it. But they are addressing it.”
      DON’T CANCEL IT
      Meanwhile, another resident believes that although the TT is dangerous, it should not cancelled.
      They told Crash: “The dreadful sight of a red flag being waves makes your heart sink.
      “Although hearing of a rider’s passing never gets easier, some comfort can be given knowing that they die doing what they love.
      “The adrenaline and enjoyment of racing in the TT is addictive, and without the danger I do not believe many riders would take part.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The TT will always be a dangerous race. The riders are not forced to compete and it brings so much joy to the fans.
      “How would you feel if you were no longer able to do something you enjoyed?”
      Competitors are aware of the dangersCredit: Pacemaker
      There has already been one death this yearCredit: Pacemaker More

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      Who was motorbike racer Raul Torras Martinez and how did he die?

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      MOTORBIKE racer Raul Torras Martinez was killed in the first Supertwin race of 2023.The race has now claimed the lives of 267 people, including passengers and spectators.
      Raul Torras Martinez is the fastest ever Spaniard to lap the Supertwin TT courseCredit: Facebook
      Who was motorbike racer Raul Torras Martinez?
      Raul Torras Martinez was from Sant Hilari Sacalm in Spain.
      He was an experienced motorsport athlete, having competed in 21 races since his debut in 2017.
      Supertwin Race organisers said: “Raul was an experienced TT competitor who made his debut in 2017, with a best result of 15th in last year’s Supertwin Race.”
      At the Supertwin Race on June 6, 2023, the racer recorded his fastest ever lap of the TT course at an average speed of 125.470mph.
      Read more on motorsport
      Organisers said: “Raul was the fastest Spaniard ever to have lapped the TT course.”
      Mr Martinez had earned a total of 18 bronze replica trophies throughout his appearances at the races.
      When asked what his ambitions in road racing were, Mr Martinez 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.”
      What happened to Raul Torras Martinez?
      Martinez was competing in the first Supertwin Race of the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The TT takes place over two weeks, bringing motorcycle road racers from all around the world.
      On his final lap of the three-lap race, Martinez had an accident at the Alpine between the 16th and 17th mile markers.
      How did Raul Torras Martinez die?
      He was riding for the Optimark Racing Team when he tragically lost his life.
      Martinez fell off his bike in a horrifying crash on his final lap of the first Supertwin Race.
      His death is the first fatality at the 2023 event.
      The TT races have been running since 1907 and even rank as one of the most dangerous in motorsport.
      TT boss Gary Thompson told Sky News that riders accept the risks of the course and that more is being done to improve the safety of the course.
      He said in May 2023: “We try to manage risk much better than was done in the past.”
      Was Raul Torras Martinez married and did he have any children?
      Not much is known about Martinez’s life outside of his motorsport racing.
      However, the organisers have released a statement sending their condolences to his family and friends.

      They paid tribute to the “experienced TT competitor”, and said: “The Isle of Man TT Races pass on their deepest sympathy to Raul’s family, friends, and loved ones.” More

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      in Athletics

      Triathlete slams ‘complete farce’ European Championship race in Hamburg as motorbike rider killed on ‘narrow’ circuit

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      A TRIATHLETE has labelled the European Championship a “complete farce” after a motorcyclist was killed following a collision with a competitor.The 70-year-old, who is yet to be named, was carrying an official race photographer on his motorbike in Hamburg.
      A motorcyclist passed away following a terrifying collisionCredit: https://twitter.com/marcuszek
      The motorbike is believed to have collided head-on with a cyclistCredit: https://twitter.com/marcuszek
      During the cycling portion of the race, the motorbike carrying the photographer was involved in a horrifying head-on collision with a competitor.
      The terrifying incident was picked up by television footage, with the athlete thrown off his bike and into the path of fellow competitors.
      Following the crash, organisers confirmed that the 70-year-old motorcyclist had been killed in the incident – but DIDN’T halt the race.
      The triathlete, 26, was rushed to hospital having been “seriously injured”.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      While the shocked photographer, 50, was also brought into hospital.
      In the immediate aftermath of the crash the race continued, albeit with triathletes being forced to take a diversion as cops entered the scene.
      Triathlete Jan Frodeno criticised race organisers after the event, telling Bild: “It was incredibly narrow, a complete farce. I was right next to it and saw the bike shatter into what felt like a thousand pieces.
      “I know that such things must always be covered by the media, but athletes’ safety should come first.”
      Most read in Athletics
      Fellow participant Timo Schaffer also slammed organisers, saying: “Unfortunately, the bike course was very full. It was therefore foreseeable that there could be accidents.
      “There were very, very many athletes on the second lap, with all the age groupers and the pros who had to overtake in the second row.
      “Sometimes there was no other way, even in the third row. Very, very many media bikes, few referee bikes.”
      The gruelling race consisted of a 26.2 mile run, 3.8km swim and 180km bike ride.
      It was covered by German TV, although coverage was interrupted as a mark of respect after the fatal crash.
      Following the incident, race organisers released a statement.
      It read: “It is with a heavy heart that we confirmed the passing of a motorcycle operator during the Ironman European Championship Hamburg.
      “At 36km of the Ironman Hamburg bike course, a credentialed motorcycle race vehicle collided with an age-group athlete who was riding on the racecourse in the opposite oncoming lane.
      “An event photographer on the motorcycle, who was also injured during the collision, has since been released from hospital. The race participant remains in hospital for further treatment.
      “We are devastated by this tragic accident.
      Read More on The Sun
      “On a day meant to be a celebration of the human spirit, we instead mourn the loss of a member of our triathlon community. Our sympathies are with all those affected.
      “Our priority always is ensuring the safety of our participants and those involved in the event. A police investigation is ongoing and we are co-operating with local authorities to understand the events that lead to the accident.” More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘This guy should be banned’ – Watch shocking moment MotoGP rider completely wipes out rival as fans fume he’s a ‘danger’

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      MOTO GP has seen another shocking collision on its opening weekend as six-times world champion Marc Marquez wiped out home hero Miguel Oliveira. The pair were among the frontrunners in the first feature race of the season in Portugal.
      This was the moment Marquez collected Oliveira in a shocking shunt at turn threeCredit: Reuters
      Portuguese rider Oliveira was running in second but was left on the ground after the crashCredit: Reuters
      Marquez rushed to the aid of his fellow driver who had been thrown from his bike with terrifying forceCredit: Reuters

      But both would end up out of the race within the opening laps after an ill-judged lunge by Marquez.
      The Spaniard, 30, had taken a shock pole on his unfancied Honda bike yesterday.
      But he dropped back to fourth after a dodgy start.
      In a desperate attempt to make up positions, he flung himself down the inside his rivals as they approached one turn three.
      READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT
      But he hit second-placed Oliveira, who was competing in his home race.
      The heart-stopping crash saw both riders wiped out with Oliveira, 28, immediately falling off his bike before tumbling across the track.
      Both drivers reportedly picked up injuries from the clash.
      Fans were left fuming with Marquez’s risky move.
      Most read in Motorsport
      One said on Twitter: “He should be banned for at least one race… It’s unbelievable.”
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Another said: “Let’s see if there’s a penalty….he need reigning in! So many times before he’s caused issues! He’s a liability.”
      Another unimpressed fan added: “That’s beyond amateurish” while a different motorsport viewer said: “M Marquez is becoming a liability and an clear and present danger on an MotoGP bike.”
      But one had praise for Marquez’s conduct after the accident.
      They said: “All class by MM. Immediately went to see if MO was okay. Didn’t even consider getting back on the bike. Cared about his fellow rider.”
      It was just the latest shunt in an error-strewn weekend for the MotoGP grid with two drivers ruled out of Sunday’s race after earlier incidents.
      Pol Espargaro suffered several serious injuries after he lost control of his KTM bike and was flung into the barriers.
      While Enea Bastianini sustained a fracture to his right shoulder blade after a crash with Luca Marini during Saturday’s sprint race.
      Both the sprint and the race were won by last year’s champion Francesco Bagnaia, as he looks to become the first man to retain his crown since Marquez in 2019. More

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      Biker in horrific crash as he’s flung into barrier and suffers fractured jaw and broken back in shocking Moto GP footage

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      MOTOGP rider Pol Espargaro suffered several serious injuries, including back and chest trauma, in a horrific crash at the Portuguese Grand Prix on Friday.The 31-year-old was flicked from his KTM bike in the closing stages of FP2 after losing control on the straight before turn 10.
      Espargaro suffered serious injuries in a horrific crash on FridayCredit: EPA
      The rider lost control on the straightCredit: Fox Sports
      He was then violently flicked from his bikeCredit: Fox Sports
      He then slid across the track at high speed before violently bouncing through the gravel trap and crashing into the barrier.
      Following the shocking scenes, the practice session was immediately red-flagged and Espargaro was tended to by trackside medics.
      After almost 30 minutes of treatment, the GasGas Factory rider was loaded into the back of an ambulance before being airlifted to a local hospital in Faro.
      MotoGP later confirmed that Espargaro had suffered a pulmonary contusion, jaw fracture and a fractured dorsal vertebra.
      Read More on Motorsport
      He slid at high speed across the track alongside his bikeCredit: Fox Sports
      Espargaro then bounced through the gravel trap before crashing into the barrierCredit: Fox Sports
      A doctor also revealed that despite the horrific nature of his injuries, Espargaro did not lose consciousness at any stage.
      Dr Angel Charte said: “He has had a high-energy fall with a large polytraumatic contusion at the level of the entire dorsal, lumbar and sacral spine.
      “We’ll have to see what the extent is once tests are done at the hospital in Faro.
      “Cervically, he is perfectly fine. Neurologically, he is fine, he has not lost consciousness at any time.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      The Spaniard was taken to a local hospital in FaroCredit: Getty
      “We have not had to intubate him at any time and he has saturated well, but it is true that he has a strong pulmonary contusion.
      “He is conscious and oriented, a little sedated, but the neurological examination is perfectly normal.”
      Some MotoGP riders have since called for action to be taken in order to protect those involved in the sport.
      VR46 Ducati rider Luca Marini said: “Sincerely, the crash was very particular.
      “But in the conditions of today, it was possible. Because also myself, I felt it.
      “If you use too much rear brake on the uphill, you feel the rear slide, because there is no grip on track.
      “But every year is the same. In this track we need another [type of] gravel. But the track doesn’t change it.” More

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      Teenage motocross star, 17, dies in hospital after horror accident after bike fell on her during race

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      A teenage motocross star has tragically died life after losing control of their bike during a race.Gabriela Valentini was competing at the Parana State Velocross Championship in Brazil on March 5 when the accident occurred.
      Gabriela Valentini, 17, poses on a motorbikeCredit: @valentini877/CEN
      The bike enthusiast tragically died during a velocross raceCredit: @valentini877/CEN
      The bike enthusiast, aged just 17, was hit by her spinning motorcycle after flying over the handlebars.
      Spectators had witnessed Valentini’s bike wobbling out of control just seconds before.
      The medical team who were present at the race in the town of Lapa attempted first aid to save her life as she lay unconscious on the dirt track.
      She was then rushed to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.
      The Parana State Motorcycling Federation issued a statement following the tragedy.
      It said: “Gabriela leaves her name in the gallery of winning pilots in the discipline, in Parana and in Brazil.
      “The organisation, through its president Gilberto Rosa, expresses at this moment of loss and pain, standing in solidarity with family, friends, and admirers.
      “Faced with this tragedy, we make ourselves available to help with whatever is within our reach. May God comfort everyone’s heart.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Valentini was buried in her home town of Curitiba on March 7.
      She had accrued an Instagram following of just under 12,000 with her enthusiasm for the sport.
      Velocross originates from Brazil in the early 2000s and has since spread around the world, reaching as far as the United States and Europe.
      Also known as VX, it is a type of off-road motorcycle racing.
      It combines elements of motocross and supercross.
      England recently saw its first fully electric indoor motocross track open in Cumbria. More

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      More Isle of Man TT deaths spark calls for dangerous race to be axed but riders know the risks – the decision is theirs

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      AROUND this time of year, there are calls from people who have never attended any form of motorsport event to put a stop to the Isle of Man TT race.It usually follows a tragedy and sadly this year Welsh rider Mark Purslow and Frenchman Olivier Lavorel became the 261st and 262nd riders to lose their lives on the Mountain Course, which has hosted the race since 1911.
      The last time the Isle of Man TT caused no fatalities was way back in 1982Credit: 2022 Dave Kneen
      It is an incredible statistic in itself but also surpassed when I tell you that since 1937, the only time there were no fatalities at the TT race, was in 1982.
      Of course, by modern standards, a sporting event with that level of fatalities would – and should – not be allowed to continue, but this is an exception.
      As a motorcyclist myself, I accept the risks whenever I use my bike but I ride it because I enjoy it.
      Now, I am not putting myself in the same category of those racing in the Isle of Man this week, far from it, but the basic principle is the same.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}TT TRAGEDY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Mark Purslow dies aged 29 at Isle of Man TT following horror crash
      I went to see the race in 2019 and was blown away by the speed. I was also slightly unnerved by the lack of safety measures.
      I say lack because of what I was used to in F1 where there are run off areas, gravel traps and crash-absorbing Techpro barriers.
      At the TT, there are stone walls, post boxes and kerbs to negotiate – but I quickly learned that was the point.
      It is not as if the risks aren’t unknown to the riders either.
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      Back when I visited, I spoke to famed TT specialist John McGuinness and I put it to him that it was ‘a bit dangerous’ and his response has lived with me since.
      He said: “You don’t just jump on a Superbike and fly down Bray Hill without knowing exactly what you are getting yourself into.
      “James Hunt died as a 40-year-old of a heart attack, Barry Sheene died at 52 years old of cancer.
      “If somebody dealt me a pack of cards right now and said ‘You can have 48 great years or 60 s*** ones’, I’d take 48 great years.
      “I’ve lost a few mates around here but there’s no gun to anybody’s head to do it.”
      He is right too, for when I was reading about Purslow’s tragic accident, I recalled McGuinness’s words.
      As the Welshman’s family grieved for the 29-year-old, there was something telling in what his family wrote on the racer’s Facebook page.
      They said: “He loved to ride, and he knew the risks but he loved racing since such a young age… we are going to try and get some solace in the fact he always told us if he was going to go, this would be the way he would want to, and that he would be smiling.
      “He will be telling us all to stop crying, have a laugh and a drink for him, and celebrate his achievements.
      By modern standards, a sporting event with this level of fatalities would – and should – not be allowed to continue, but this is an exception.Ben Hunt
      “We love you Mark forever and always you were one in a million, always in our hearts. The Purslow family.”
      It was a poignant reminder that while the Isle of Man TT remains dangerous, as does all motorsport, it should still be allowed to continue.
      Because if you attended the event, spoke to every rider, mechanic and fan, they’d all tell you the same thing as McGuinness told me: “People always try to stop things they don’t understand.
      “So before you make your mind up, come to the Isle of Man, watch the racing, talk to the riders and teams, and then decide.”
      Azerbaijan GP
      I am excited to be heading back to Baku this week for the Azerbaijan F1 GP – mainly for some normality.
      After chaotic and sold-out races in Miami, Barcelona and Monaco it will be great to see some half-empty grandstands again in a destination that people have never heard of.
      Giovinazzi’s switch
      Former F1 driver Antonio Giovinazzi must be feeling drained after such a miserable time since making the switch to Formula E.
      He’s currently last in the championship after some dreadful performances – but he exceeded himself at the Jakarta ePrix.
      First he almost took out his Dragon Penske team-mate Sergio Sette Camara with an over-ambitious overtake that sent him into a spin.
      He then was forced to retire from the race five laps from the end for running out of battery life.
      Too soon for Espargaro
      Aleix Espargaro was another racer to come up short at the weekend in embarrassing circumstances.
      The MotoGP rider, who was running in second place in his home race in Barcelona, pulled over and started celebrating – only it was not until he was overtaken by other riders he realised he’d gone a lap too soon.
      Eventually, after realising his mistake, he was classified in fifth place in the Catalan Grand Prix.
      Espargaro was distraught afterwards – especially seeing race winner Fabio Quartararo extend his championship lead over him to 22 points.
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      Mansell Mania
      Nigel Mansell will celebrate 30 years since winning the F1 title by starring at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
      Organisers are looking to recreate ‘Mansell Mania’ as he will be reunited with his 1992 championship-winning Williams FW14B and drive a number of other cars from his Formula One days, including the Lotus 91, Ferrari 639 and 640. More