20 July 2007 - Issued 15:30

During the Bennetts British Superbike Championship first free practice at Mallory Park, an incident occurred at the Esses section of the circuit.

The rider involved was Ollie Bridewell.

Initial evidence shows that he lost control and fell from his machine making a heavy impact with the surface and then the Recticel “type A” protective barrier. He sustained critical head and neck injuries. He was treated initially at trackside and then at the circuit medical centre by the BSB Medical Team, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The incident is being fully investigated by the MCRCB and the relevant authorities.

On behalf of MCRCB Events and the BSB community we extend our profound sympathies.

Stuart Higgs / Toby Branfoot, FRCSEd (Tr & Orth)

Race Director / Medical Director

ends