The motorcycling world is mourning the death of Victor Steeman. The Dutch driver has not been able to recover from the head injury he suffered last Saturday after an accident at the Algarve circuit during the Supersport 300 Grand Prix of Portugal and died this Tuesday, according to the international federation and the organizers themselves.
"Despite the best efforts of the circuit and hospital medical staff, he has sadly succumbed to his injuries," reads the statement about the Kawasaki rider, who was only 22 years old.
Steeman's father has also made a statement: "Our Victor was unable to win this last race. Despite the excruciating loss and pain, we are very proud to share that our hero was able to save five other people by donating his organs." "We would like to thank everyone for the way they have been with us over the last few days. Victor will be greatly missed."
Steeman was enjoying an excellent campaign in the FIM Supersport 300 Championship and arrived in Portugal with a mathematical chance of capturing the World Championship. He had four wins, five podiums and three pole positions this season. He also put his name in the history books with pole position at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, becoming the driver with the most pole positions in the World Supersport 300 category.
The FIM family, the Dorna Group and the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve expressed their "deepest condolences to Steeman's family, friends, team and loved ones". Superbikes also fired Steeman via social media. "The WorldSBK family would like to send all our love to his family, team and loved ones. A great person, a fierce rider and a legacy that is etched in our paddock forever. Rest in peace Victor"
