Eleven year old boy dies racing at Fernando Alonso's kart track
The young driver was involved in a major collision at the La Morgal racing circuit, owned by Fomula 1 driver Fernando Alonso.
A minute's silence. A gust of icy air on the starting grid of one of the finest karting tracks in the world, which carries the name of Fernando Alonso, and where an aspiring heroe, who will be forever remembered, lost his life.
Gonazlo Basurto died in a collision
Gonzalo Basurto, 11 years old, died this morning in the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, after a terrible collision with another kart in the warm-up before the Asturian Championships, held at the La Morgal karting track, owned by Fernando Alonso.
Fernando Alonso sends his condolences
And the Spanish Formula 1 driver, in Alabama for his initial first-hand look at Indy Car, was quick to offer his condolences. Alonso, just like everyone at the karting centre, was devastated by the horrific news. Even more so taking into account that one of Alonso's main motives for setting up the track was to help promising champions, and the importance the driver and his team place on safety.
Counselling for those affected by the crash
Four psychologists went to the competition to attend to the youngsters who were affected by the incident. The parents of the boy also received counselling in the hospital, as did the other driver involved in the collision. According to hospital sources Gonzalo was an organ donor, the reason behind his body remaining in the hospital. His organs will serve to help others.
Day of mourning
Gonzalo was from the village of Villarcayo in the Burgos region; he will be buried there on Monday. His friends say he was happy, outgoing lad, who loved motor racing and football.
The mayor of the village declared a day of mourning, with the flags flown at half-mast. Gonzalo lost his life in search of his dream; he lives on in the memory of everyone who knew him, and in that of his hero: Fernando Alonso.