Gone Too Soon: Borja Gomez Dies at 20 After Devastating Crash

By Lewis Barnett 3 July, 2025 6 mins read 118 Views

God, I hate writing these stories.

Twenty years old. That's barely out of your teens, and Borja Gomez is gone. The Spanish motorcycle racer died today after a horrific crash during practice at the European Stock Championship in France, and honestly? I'm sitting here staring at my screen trying to figure out how to make sense of something that just doesn't make any sense at all.

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The Kid Was On Fire This Season

Here's what makes this even more brutal - Gomez was leading the championship. Not just participating, not just getting by. Leading. The guy from San Javier had finished second at Estoril in the season opener, then went and won at Jerez last month. He was heading into round three at Magny-Cours with everything to play for.

Instead, during Free Practice today, everything went wrong.

The details are still coming together, but from what I'm hearing, Gomez went off track alone first. Then - and this is the part that'll keep me up tonight - another rider's bike hit him. Sometimes racing is cruel in ways that feel almost personal.

His Team's Heartbreak Says It All

Team Honda Laglisse released a statement that honestly broke me a little bit. They wrote: "With all the pain in our hearts, we regret to announce that Borja Gomez has passed away at the Magny-Cours circuit after a serious accident in the first Free Practice of the European Stock Championship."

But here's the part that got me: "Beyond his exceptional talent as a pilot, we will remember Borja as the great person he was. His kindness and smile will last forever."

Twenty years old and people are talking about your kindness and smile. That tells you everything about who this kid was.

The Dream That'll Never Happen Now

Gomez had been in Moto2 before - spent 2023 with Fantic Racing, completed 13 Grand Prix races. Word was he wanted to get back there someday. Started in Supermoto back in Spain, worked his way up through the 2019 Kawasaki Cup, then Superbikes where he finished second in the Spanish championship in 2021. Did it again in 2022 with Cardoso Team.

The guy was building something. Step by step, season by season.

When the Racing Community Mourns

Former motorcyclist Ivan Moreno put it perfectly: "We are not aware of what motorcycling riders risk day after day. Just as it gives you glory, sometimes it takes away all your desire for everything."

Tito Rabat, who knows a thing or two about racing (former Moto2 champion, MotoGP rider), said: "Although we think everything will turn out fine, we often forget how unfair and delicate life can be. Goodbye, little friend, rest in peace."

Little friend. That hits different.

Even Cadiz football club released a statement. When a football team takes time to mourn a motorcycle racer, you know the loss is being felt everywhere.

What We're Left With

MotoGP journalist Simon Patterson called it "tragic news" - which feels inadequate but also completely accurate. What else do you say when someone with that much talent and that much life ahead of them just... doesn't get to live it?

I keep thinking about that championship lead. About the win at Jerez just last month. About whatever plans he had for the rest of this season, next season, the years after that.

Twenty years old.

Rest in peace, Borja. The track won't be the same without you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Parc Féme in Formula 1?

The FIA uses the term Parc Ferme to describe a secured area in the pit lane, where the cars are closely monitored by them before and after the qualifying session and race. After cars have entered Parc Ferme they cannot be altered in any way except for certain allowed changes. The cars must comply with the rules and teams cannot gain unfair advantage.

How is the Formula 1 World Champion determined?

The Formula 1 World Champion determines by the accumulation of points throughout the year. Drivers receive points for their Grand Prix finishes. The higher the position, the more points they earn. The World Champion for the year is determined by the driver who scored the most points. Constructors Championship is also decided by adding the points of each team's driver.

How does weather affect Formula 1 races

Weather conditions can impact Formula 1 races in a big way, including tire choice, setup of the car, and strategies. Rain can cause dangerous track conditions and drivers may switch to wet, intermediate or other tires. Teams need to be able to adjust quickly to changing weather conditions, and drivers must use caution and show skill. Temperature variations can also affect tire wear and engine performance, which can all have a significant impact on the outcome of a race.

How often do Formula 1 Teams develop new cars each year?

Formula 1 teams develop new cars for each season. This is due the the ever-changing technical regulations, and the relentless pursuit by the teams of better performance. However, teams continue to develop the car throughout the season, bringing regular updates to races to secure an edge over their rivals in the championship.

How do drivers qualify for a Formula 1 race?

Qualifying for a Formula 1 race is conducted through a knock-out system occurring the day before the race. The qualifying is divided into three sections - Q1,Q2, and Q3. The first segment is Q1, where all the drivers compete. The five slowest cars are then eliminated. Five more cars are then eliminated from the Q2 group of 15 drivers. The top 10 cars then proceed to Q3, in which they compete to win pole position and determine starting order.

Can Formula 1 cars refuel during a race?

According to the current regulations in Formula 1, mid-race fueling is prohibited. This rule has been in place since the 2010 season to enhance safety and reduce costs. Now cars must have enough fuel at the start of the race to make it to the finish line. This is a new strategic element that requires teams and drivers alike, to balance speed, efficiency, and fuel weight.

Statistics

The Monaco Grand Prix is the shortest race on the Formula 1 calendar, with a total race distance of only 260.286 kilometers.
The highest number of cars to start a Formula 1 race was 34 at the 1953 German Grand Prix.
Jenson Button accomplished the greatest number of overtakes in a single race, with a total of 26 during the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix.
As of the latest season, Mercedes AMG Petronas has won eight consecutive Constructors' Championships, the longest streak in Formula 1 history.
The Silverstone Circuit, home to the British Grand Prix, has hosted more Formula 1 races than any other circuit since the championship began in 1950.
The fastest lap ever recorded in Formula 1 was set by Juan Pablo Montoya, reaching a top speed of 372.6 km/h (231.523 mph).
The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is known as the 'Temple of Speed', which has the highest average speed of any circuit on the current Formula 1 calendar.
Ferrari is the most successful team in Formula 1 history, with 16 Constructors' Championships to their name.

External Links

How To

How to listen to Formula 1 live team radio

Listening to Formula 1 live team radio broadcasts can immerse fans in the strategy and emotions of the race. F1 TV Pro offers unfiltered team communications and live streaming beyond the broadcast. For a fee, dedicated race apps can also provide audio feeds of the team radios. Team radio snippets are regularly played during live broadcasts, giving viewers a glimpse into the real-time decisions and challenges faced by teams and drivers.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/formula-1/waking-up-from-hell-what-its-like-to-see-your-own-death