TT 2022: CONFIRMED - sidecar driver died and not passenger - mistaken identity say TT organisers

Wed, 08 Jun 2022

Organisers of the Isle of Man TT have confirmed a sidecar driver died and not his passenger following a case of 'mistaken identity'.

The incident happened in the opening lap of the first Sidecar Race on Saturday at Ago’s Leap.

It involved outfit number 21 of César Chanal and Olivier Lavorel resulted in the death of one of the competitors.

The race was stopped with the deployment of full-course red flags, and medical personnel, a Travelling Marshal, and the emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.

In a statement, Isle of Man TT said: "One of the competitors sustained injuries that would not support life and was sadly declared dead at the scene. The second competitor was unconscious with severe injuries."

"The injured competitor was treated at the roadside before being transferred to Noble’s Hospital, and then airlifted to a specialist hospital in Liverpool to receive treatment."
 
"An initial identification procedure was conducted using established procedures and would appear to have resulted in a mistaken identification."
 
"We now believe it was César Chanal who died at the scene of the accident on Saturday 4th June. Olivier remains in a critical condition and continues to receive treatment."
 
"Both competitors’ families have been informed. "
 
"A thorough review of the processes relating to the identification of competitors will take place in due course."

It comes as family members of César Chanal confirmed the rider had passed away.

Note: This article has been updated since publication.

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