In this time of frustration at the shutdown of motorsport around the world due to the coronavirus, it is easy to forget the profound impact it is set to have on the wider community on a personal level and the hardships they will face on return to competition.
This is especially true of MotoGP rider Tito Rabat, who has reportedly lost both of his grandparents – one of which was to the COVID-19 virus - in the past week, only four days apart.
According to GPOne.com, the former Moto2 Champion, who competes with the Reale Avintia Ducati team had his grandfather Rosendo Rabat pass away after a long illness before his wife Rosa Sabater also passed just four days later because of the coronavirus.
Riders have been at the forefront of the campaigns to encourage people to stay at home in the midst of this crisis that has now claimed the lives of more than 11,000 people globally.
Having originated in China, Europe has now become the epicentre of the virus’ spread with Italy now the worst affected nation having suffered almost 5,000 of those deaths. In recent days though Spain has also experienced a sharp spike in cases and deaths associated and is now close to becoming the third worst affected nation globally.
There have been wonderful acts of kindness across the community though with Valentino Rossi reportedly donating a large sum of money to his local hospital, while the SIC58 foundation has begun a crowdfunding page for people to donate.
Close to home, TT rider James Hillier has offered up his services as a delivery rider for those in need as a response to those which have stockpiled supplies at the behest of others.
