ANDREA ANTONELLI KILLED AT MOSCOW WSS ROUND

In wet conditions on the race's opening lap, the 25-year-old Italian rider for Team Goeleven Kawasaki reportedly fell on the circuit's back straight, where he was hit at speed by Pata Honda World Supersport's Lorenzo Zanetti.

The race was red flagged and Antonelli attended to by circuit medics. Despite best efforts to resuscitate him, Antonelli succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 2:10PM local time.

The official press release is as follows:

During today's FIM World Supersport race, at 1.32pm Italian rider Andrea Antonelli (Team Goeleven Kawasaki) suffered a serious accident on the straight between Turn 14 and Turn 15 wherein he sustained critical injuries.

The race was stopped with the red flag and the rider was immediately taken to an ambulance where the medical staff worked to resuscitate him.

Despite their efforts, Andrea sadly succumbed to his injuries at 2.10pm local time.

FIM, Dorna and YMS Promotion decided to cancel all activities scheduled for the rest of the day.

Everyone involved in motorcycle championships extends its deepest condolences to Andrea's family, friends, team and Italian Federation at this tragic loss.

After racing in Italian and Spanish 125cc classes as a young teenager, Antonelli made the step up to the European Superstock 600 class in 2005. His best season came in 2007, when he finished second in the championship behind Maxime Berger.

In 2008, Antonelli moved to the European Superstock 1000 category, finishing tenth in the championship in his debut season, while also riding as a fill-in for two World Supersport rounds. Remaining in Superstock 1000 for the next three seasons, Antonelli achieved a best championship result of fourth, in 2010.

Antonelli made the move to World Supersport in 2012, where he finished tenth overall in his debut season, riding for Team Lorini Honda. In 2013, the Italian made the switch to Goeleven Kawasaki.

At Phillip Island earlier this year, Antonelli finished the race in seventh place, after qualifying in eighth. Ahead of the Moscow round of the championship, Antonelli was sitting in seventh place overall.

JUST BIKES extends its sympathies to Antonelli's family, friends and Team Goeleven Kawasaki members.